China bans apartments used as burial sites amid housing market concerns
Due to an aging population and a shortage of cemetery space, a new trend emerged in China where empty apartments are bought to store the ashes of deceased relatives, effectively turning these homes into burial sites. In response, the government has banned this practice to prevent further declines in property prices.
Source The Guardian
Over the past five years, property prices in China have dropped about 40% due to an oversupply of vacant homes. Meanwhile, burial costs have steadily increased, prompting many families to purchase apartments in empty buildings to create family sanctuaries for ashes.
The authorities decided to prohibit transforming apartments into storage places for remains, as living next to such “apartment cemeteries” deters potential buyers. This measure aims to stabilise property prices and restore consumer confidence.
This move might be part of wider Chinese housing market regulations designed to prevent further asset devaluation and improve living conditions for residents.
The coming months will reveal the impact of this ban on the property market and related funeral services, as well as whether families will find alternative methods for ash storage.
