An increasing number of wealthy investors in China are beginning to question whether luxury real estate still lives up to its long-held reputation as a safe haven for value appreciation.
Discussions currently circulating on Chinese social media often directly compare homes in Shenzhen Bay priced at 60–66 million yuan (equivalent to $414,000–455,000 USD) to Bitcoin, Nvidia stock, and BNB. No longer just symbols of status, these properties have become competitive choices in global investment portfolios.
Crypto and Real Estate: Why Wealthy People in China Are Questioning the Value of Home Ownership
This shift is noteworthy because Shenzhen Bay has long been XEM one of the most prestigious and stable real estate markets in mainland China. However, recent reports suggest that the area is no longer immune to the downward trend in property values.
A widely shared Chia describes the experience of XEM an apartment priced at 66 million yuan, but warns that the price could drop to 30 million yuan in about three years. According to the post, real estate prices in the area have already fallen by nearly 50%. If a broader financial crisis occurs, prices could fall even further.
“Houses themselves have no intrinsic value; when buying a house, you should look at it from an investment perspective,” the user wrote , quoting a comment from TRON founder Justin Sun. When comparing real estate to globally liquidation assets like Bitcoin, Nvidia stock, and BNB, the conclusion – according to the author – would be “very clear.”
Many other investors also expressed feelings of anxiety. One person said they had borrowed 60 million yuan to buy a house in Shenzhen, but didn't know whether to be "happy or worried."
"Yes, I just borrowed 60 million yuan to buy a property at CITIC City Opening Xinyue Bay, Shenzhen. I don't know whether to be happy or uneasy," this user Chia .
Another person jokingly said they had become "a slave to their house." They emphasized that only paying off the debt could relieve the psychological burden. Several others also voiced warnings, pointing out high mortgage interest rates, a sharp increase in housing supply, and the risks of investing all Capital in an liquidation asset.
Besides the issue of falling prices , the debate also highlights greater concerns about liquidation and policy risks. Many investors argue that high-end housing is now increasingly difficult to sell quickly and is more susceptible to scrutiny from regulators.
Buying a house worth 100 million yuan or more easily attracts the attention of tax authorities and may lead to an investigation. This further increases the risk when the government tightens policies . Conversely, holding cryptocurrencies and global stocks is XEM as more flexible, easier to buy, sell, and convert across borders.
High property prices in Hong Kong are due to freedom, not profit.
The comparison also explains why real estate in Hong Kong is still considered a valuable asset. According to one article, the true value here is not profit but "exchanging money for freedom."
Real estate in Europe, where investments can offer residency or passport opportunities with significantly lower Capital , is XEM as a testament to social Vai rather than simply a status symbol. In contrast, luxury housing on the mainland offers little clear return and even less flexibility.
Some investors compare the current real estate market to the A-share market in China. They argue that domestic assets typically plummet during periods of geopolitical instability but fail to rebound strongly when global markets recover.
Real estate, especially in Shenzhen Bay, seems to exhibit this asymmetrical trend: it is vulnerable to risks when the market declines, but remains stable when the market is positive.
These impacts extend to other areas as well. Crypto is no longer just a speculative channel but is being XEM as a tool for Capital protection and increased freedom and flexibility in asset management.
Young people – many of whom cannot afford luxury homes – are increasingly choosing a different path. They prioritize digital assets and international stocks because of their clearer risk management and greater accessibility.
Comparing the value of real estate to Bitcoin and international stocks reveals a fundamental shift in how Chinese people manage their assets. As Capital mobility and policy risk avoidance become increasingly important, highly liquidation global assets are gradually replacing real estate as a store of value.
The way regulators will respond, as well as whether housing prices will stabilize, could have a major impact on China's domestic market. This could also shape the next wave of crypto adoption in the country.
