By Hao Zhou (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-06-28 16:18

Despite an academic saying renting a house than buying one is more suitable for Chinese citizens, near 70 percent of the population still prefer having their own homes.

Long Yongtu, dean of the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, said the concept that everyone should have his own house is wrong. He cited figures from the United States to support his idea. "Only 30 percent of Americans have purchased houses and 60 percent are willing to rent."

Others sharing Long's opinion also provided figures that show an average of 50 percent of developed countries' population possess their own houses, but in China, 80 percent of Chinese families own home in the cities and 100 percent in rural areas.

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However, according to a survey by China Youth Daily, 69.5 percent of Chinese are inclined to buy houses, and only 15.8 percent of the citizens are willing to rent. Their reasons are that they feel better when they live in their own houses.

The 214th clause of the Chinese Contract Law rules that the term of a lease may not exceed 20 years. Therefore, for most Chinese people, they won't call their rented house "home", but "where I live temporarily" instead.

In the survey, 45.5 percent of the interviewees regarded owning a house as the most important thing in their lives, exceeding those who weigh more on daily expenses, cultural life and education. And 72.1 percent relate their marriage happiness with their property. Meanwhile, near 60 percent of the interviewees considered "Hukou", residence permit, and whether their children can receive better education when they purchase real estate.

An earlier survey by China Youth Daily in April showed that 91.9 percent purchase their houses through taking a mortgage, and 31.8 percent of them have to pay more than half of their incomes to pay the monthly mortgage. Though housing prices are rising day by day, it is always the first priority for most Chinese citizens to have their own house.