Urban Residential Redevelopment in the People's Republic of China

• Published in: Urban studies (Edinburgh, Scotland) Vol. 31; no. 9; pp. 1497 - 1516
• Main Author: Dowall, David E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Carfax Publishing Company 01.11.1994; SAGE Publications; Longman Group; Sage Publications Ltd. (UK); Oliver and Boyd; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Asia; Bgi / Prodig; China; China (People's Republic); Cities; City planning; Commodities; Compensation; Construction costs; Evaluation; Exactions; Factors; Fees; Households; HOUSING; Housing policy; Human geography; Inner cities; LOCAL GOVERNMENT; Metropolitan areas; Modernization; PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA; Peoples Republic of China; Progress; Public Housing; REAL ESTATE; Redevelopment; Redevelopment, Urban; REGULATION & REGULATORY POLICY; Replacement value; Residential areas; Residential buildings; SINGAPORE; SOUTH KOREA; Tenants; Urban areas; Urban Development; Urban policy; Urban population; URBAN RENEWAL; URBAN, IN ANY CONTEXT; China; Singapore; Korea, Rep., Seoul; China, People's Rep., Hong Kong; China, People's Rep; Project; Urban development; Housing policy; Housing; Real estate development; Land; Redevelopment
• ISSN: 0042-0980; 1360-063X
• DOI: 10.1080/00420989420081391

This paper reports on an evaluation of urban redevelopment policies and practices in the People's Republic of China. In most Chinese cities, redevelopment regulations require the on-site replacement of demolished housing, the provision of additional community facilities, and the payment of numerous fees, taxes and charges. These regulations greatly impair the feasibility of most urban redevelopment projects, and result in a very low level of redevelopment activity across urban China. To spur much-needed urban redevelopment, Chinese cities should consider following the example of Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore and allow real estate development companies to pay cash compensation for buildings and land given up for redevelopment. Such an approach would enhance the financial feasibility and transparency of redevelopment projects.