Recently, the senior real estate analysis blogger “Heading North” (Brother Bei), who has millions of fans, had his TikTok account permanently banned. The blogger has long been known for his “deep bearish view on the property market,” openly stating in multiple videos that house prices will continue to fall, the number of listings will continue to increase, and repeatedly advising his fans to “deproperty” by asserting that cash will be more valuable than real estate in the future.
According to several overseas and domestic social media accounts in China, on February 17th, the short video platform account of real estate blogger “Heading North” was permanently banned. Various self-media outlets and Sina Finance website reported that the account was banned coincidentally on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The platform has not yet disclosed specific reasons for the violation, but it is widely speculated that his remarks involving “diminishing the economy and property market,” reinforcing negative expectations, crossed the platform’s boundaries for controlling economic content.
A netizen from Liaoning, Mr. Huang, stated in an interview that the banning incident itself is more worthy of attention than the blogger’s perspective: “In recent months, we have noticed a significant decrease in videos discussing falling house prices, restaurant closures, and shop shutdowns online. I counted, and over ninety-five percent of them are clearly censored by the platform. Some bloggers who indirectly speak negatively about real estate and house prices can also be accurately identified. I won’t say anything now.”
As an essential component of the macro economy in China, can netizens judge the market trends of real estate? Mr. Chen, a lawyer from Henan, expressed in an interview with Da Ji Yuan that bullish and bearish views are all part of market discussion. If a viewpoint is excluded from public discussion simply because it is “pessimistic,” “this is unfair to the general public or consumers, as those interested in buying a house need to see opinions from unofficial media to understand the actual market prices. Whether you are bullish or bearish, what is shown online is just a perspective, and viewers will naturally make their own judgment.”
Many netizens commented, “It is a fact that house prices are falling. Speaking out leads to an account ban?” “If dissenting views are not allowed, can we only express positive opinions?” Some questioned, “The market naturally has ups and downs, why should only bullish voices be allowed?” Some netizens believe that platforms selectively audit economic speech and even ban accounts but cannot block the harsh reality.
Since last autumn, remarks on platforms like WeChat, TikTok deemed to “spread pessimism” have been restricted with limited streams and account bans. Compared to the past, videos reflecting empty streets and sparse crowds have decreased.
Reviewing reposted videos of “Heading North” by netizens, it is observed that he has been consistently sharing and discussing real estate trends, household asset risks, and economic environmental changes in his live broadcasts. He repeatedly warns viewers that house prices may continue to fall, the number of listings of existing houses is increasing, and profitability in various industries is shrinking, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary people to make money. These viewpoints are not sensational but depict the reality that many families are currently facing.
Scholars believe that Brother Bei’s remarks have crossed a red line for the Chinese Communist Party. Independent scholar Yan Li (pseudonym) stated, “In the Communist Party-led propaganda system, the issue has never been whether the speech aligns with facts, but whether it aligns with the political needs of the authorities. For instance, what ordinary people should know, what they should see, has never been their choice but content that the authorities need them to accept. Inside the wall, you can see things, but accessing information beyond it is illegal.”
Yan Li believes that real estate in China has never been a simple market industry but a pillar of the financial structure of the CCP regime. Local governments rely on land sales revenue to operate smoothly. Once they lose land finances, not only will governmental operations face hurdles, but the wealth in the hands of the numerous interest groups will significantly shrink.
According to official media data, in January 2026, prices of new and existing residential homes in 70 cities showed a continuous downward trend, entering a “deep adjustment period” (i.e., a substantial decline phase). In first-tier cities, new home prices fell by 0.3%, and existing home prices declined by 0.5%; second-hand residential prices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen decreased by 6.8% to 8.7% year-on-year, and second-hand home prices in second- and third-tier cities also showed a continuous decline.