Oversupply of housing? The free sale of rural homesteads and houses may be the solution
Recently, Professor He Keng raised a fascinating point at a symposium: China currently has a problem of overhousing, with about 1.4 billion people living in existing housing that cannot be filled. To address this problem, he advocated the liberalization of restrictions on the sale and purchase of rural homesteads and houses.
Professor He Keng's views immediately sparked widespread discussion and controversy. On the one hand, proponents argue that the current housing glut is a serious problem and that easing restrictions on the sale and purchase of rural homesteads and homes will help improve the housing shortage. They believe that rural homesteads are farmers' land wealth that, if transferred and traded more freely, will help increase the supply of housing and meet the needs of residents. At the same time, the relaxation of restrictions on the purchase and sale of houses can also promote market liquidity and economic development.
On the other hand, opponents have expressed concern about Professor Ho's views. They believe that the liberalization of restrictions on rural homesteads and house sales may lead to overuse of land resources and instability in the real estate market. They have raised concerns that the move could exacerbate the rural-urban divide, accelerate rural-to-urban migration, and cause more social problems. In addition, they noted that the solution to the housing problem cannot only rely on increasing supply, but also needs to take into account the ability of the poor to buy housing, as well as the quality of housing and amenities.
We should think and evaluate Professor He Keng's views objectively. The current problem of oversupply of housing does need to be paid attention to and solved, and relaxing the restrictions on the purchase and sale of rural homesteads and houses is an option worth exploring. However, we must realize that the solution to this problem requires comprehensive consideration of various factors, including the rational use of land resources, the stable operation of the market and the ability of residents to buy houses. The government and relevant departments should formulate scientific policies and plans, balance urban and rural development and housing supply and demand, and provide a good housing environment for the vast number of people.
Overall, China's housing problem is a complex and urgent issue. Professor He Keng's view of relaxing restrictions on rural homesteads and house sales has caused widespread controversy, but we need to treat this issue in an objective and rational manner, and under the guidance of the government, solve the contradiction between housing supply and demand through scientific policies and planning, and provide a good living environment for the people.