Shanghai is divided into two major parts – Puxi (the west part) and Pudong (the east part) – by its mother Huangpu River. As with other big cities, Shanghai is also divided into several districts. Downtown area, which consists of five districts, lies in the center of the city.

As an international hub, Shanghai attracts myriads of foreigners every year, contributing to a local housing market boom and adding vitality and business opportunities to the city.

Many newcomers fall in love with the city instantly when they see its tree-lined streets, low-rise European-style architecture and innumerable skyscrapers towering everywhere in the city.

First of all, you should get prepared on “how many budget you have”, “how large house you want”, “buy or rent”, “whether houses or apartment”, “which district or specific area you prefer to live”.

And then gathering information through Internet, newspaper, magazine, among other media.

However, above all the way can not completely meet your requirement because most of information is holding in Real Estate Agency, most of landlords with nice properties like to entrust to Agency in order to rent the house out sooner. So there is one thing you have to not forget is finding a professional Real Estate Agency.


You will get to see various outlet chain Agencies on the street, but most of them are only professional on the purchasing, and most of them could not speak English. So the better way is make sure finding a professional renting or purchasing English speaking Agency through internet which owns English website or introduced through your friends or people you know who has been living in Shanghai for a while.

Each agency will publicize houses information which they are consigned to rent or sell, you can pick up some among the total. Afterwards, you should try to get a good understanding of how each Agency will provide service and the detail process in order to select a good agency which can really help you out.

At last, you should have them completely understand your detailed requirements and ask them to arrange a houses view-trip.


Accompanied with your agent, you can visit the landlord and the house. Looking around as careful as you can and ask each question you want to know. You should always pay more attention on the decoration, furniture, home appliance, pipes, cleaning, noise, house property management, house quality, residential environment, surrounding etc.

And then select at least two best houses you preferred as the first and second options.


Both the leasing and purchasing contracts have their officially recommended version, you can add some extra clauses. And professional Agencies have relevant legal personnel can advice you on the contract as well.

You may bargain the price and other extra conditions, such as repairing, renovation, furniture etc, your Agency will be responsible to help you to negotiate everything with landlord and get good deal for you.

Make it clear on the responsibilities for taxation, fares (power supply, water, gas, and property management fee), repairing, among others.

After reaching agreement on everything with landlord, then you can sign the contract.


Normally, you should pay the rent for the first month plus two months of rent as deposit before you move into your new home. And you should always pay more attention on handing-over process make sure all the facilities in good workable condition.

Remember, no matter buy or rent, registration is necessary, your agency will do procedures for you


After moving into your new house, your Agency should help you to solve all the relavant problems of the house.

But you should remember that there is some occasional culture, manner and standard difference, your understanding and balancing will be necessarily needed. So you need to explain well about everything and let your Agent know your thoughts, which will make them have better understanding of your intension and then help you out