Background and Objectives of Property Tax Policy Reform

In 2025, China is set to launch major property tax reforms, signaling a new era for the country’s real estate tax system. Previously, the property tax had been piloted primarily in Shanghai and Chongqing. As reforms deepen, more cities will be included in the pilot program, with policy design becoming more detailed and targeted.

The main goals of the reform are to curb real estate speculation, promote the healthy and stable development of the housing market, diversify sources of local government revenue, advance a fair and reasonable tax system, and ensure equitable distribution of social wealth. As a vital regulatory instrument for the real estate sector, a well-designed and expanded property tax will help standardize market practices, prevent rapid increases in housing prices, and reduce the risk of market bubbles.

Key Property Tax Policy Changes for 2025

1. Optimization and Adjustment of Tax Rate Structure

In 2025, several pilot cities will revise property tax rates, establishing a more granular, tiered tax system. For example, in Shanghai, the tax rate varies according to the housing market price bracket:

• For properties priced below approximately RMB 94,000 per square meter, a lower rate of 0.4% applies;
• For properties priced above RMB 94,000 per square meter, the rate increases to 0.6%.

This progressive tiered rate structure embodies the “higher price, higher rate” principle, imposing a greater tax burden on high-value properties, supporting differentiated regulation, and dampening speculative demand in the luxury segment.

2. Adjustments to Tax Exemption Threshold and Taxable Base

Some cities have raised the tax exemption threshold to provide greater relief for reasonable residential living space. For instance, Chongqing increased the personal residence tax exemption threshold from 100 to 180 square meters, benefiting first-time homebuyers and those upgrading to larger homes. Additionally, the taxable base was adjusted from the transaction price to 70% of the transaction price, effectively reducing tax pressure and reflecting a more flexible approach to regulation.

3. Expansion of Pilot City Coverage

In 2025, pilot implementation of the property tax will expand beyond Shanghai and Chongqing to additional major cities including Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. The goal is to leverage experience from a broader range of cities to gradually build a unified, scientific, and equitable national property tax system.

Impact of Property Tax on Taxpayers and Strategies for Response

1. Increased Cost of Property Ownership

With the broader scope and adjusted rates of the property tax, ownership costs for taxpayers will rise significantly. Investors with multiple high-value properties will face notably higher tax outlays.

2. Strategic Planning of Real Estate Portfolios

In light of the new policies, taxpayers should assess their property holdings, optimize their portfolios, and strategically manage the number and size of properties owned to minimize additional taxes from exceeding exemption thresholds.

3. Stay Up-to-Date on Policy Developments

Since detailed policies may differ across jurisdictions, taxpayers should proactively monitor announcements from their local tax authorities to stay informed of the latest property tax rules and enforcement practices, thereby avoiding potential penalties or missed opportunities due to lack of awareness.

4. Seek Professional Tax Consultation

Given the complexities of property tax policies and changing market conditions, taxpayers should engage professional tax advisors for customized tax planning and minimizing tax liabilities in compliance with regulations.

Outlook

As property tax policies are gradually refined and adopted more widely, the real estate market is expected to become more rational, with a significant reduction in speculative activity. Property tax will serve as a critical lever for market regulation. This will promote a shift from rapid expansion toward high-quality, sustainable development. Meanwhile, property tax revenues will provide local governments with a stable source of funding for public services and infrastructure.