China’s stabilisation story is increasingly a resale-market story. ECNS reported that Beijing recorded 93,583 second-hand home transactions in the first half of 2026, while Shenzhen resale deals rose 5.5% year on year to 36,458.

Resale Demand Is The Cleaner Signal

New-home data can be distorted by launch incentives and developer pricing. Resale transactions show whether households are willing to buy completed homes in the open market, which is why Beijing’s five-year high is important for confidence.

Inventory Is Moving Lower

The same report cited E-House data showing listings across eight major cities falling to 1.23 million by the end of June, down 19% from a year earlier. Lower inventory helps sellers, but it also reflects households becoming more selective about where to list.

First-Tier Cities Still Differ

Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are not moving together. Policy easing, school districts, employment and local supply conditions all affect whether resale gains turn into broader price support.

Outlook

China’s second-half housing test is whether resale liquidity spreads beyond the strongest corridors. Stabilisation will look more credible if active existing-home markets pull down inventory without relying on another wave of developer discounts.

Local Watchpoint

The key test is whether resale liquidity survives without larger policy changes. Beijing and Shenzhen can show strong volume while weaker cities remain fragile, so investors should compare inventory withdrawal, school-district demand and mortgage availability before treating national stabilisation language as a buy signal.

Read more local updates at China Housing Market.