In the past year, the inquiries and investment demands of high-net-worth individuals from China in overseas properties have continued to increase. Real estate data from various locations indicate that Chinese buyers remain one of the primary sources of cross-border transactions. Records of transactions in the UK, Singapore, and Australia have shown an uptrend, drawing attention to the flow of cross-border funds.
Chinese billionaires are accelerating the transfer of assets overseas. Several wealth advisors have mentioned that mainland clients consider both domestic and overseas markets when planning their assets. In cases they have dealt with, some families have already moved a portion of their funds overseas to diversify their holdings. According to a report on the Financial Times website, in the autumn of 2024, Zhang Ying, the wife of Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma, purchased a property in London for £19.5 million (approximately RMB 176 million), attracting attention due to the buyer’s background. This incident has reignited discussions on Chinese billionaires investing in overseas real estate.
Guo Hao, a Beijing agent dealing with UK properties, informed reporters that many clients have recently inquired about fund holding methods and arrangements. He mentioned that some buyers own multiple properties domestically and consider keeping a portion of their funds long-term overseas. Guo Hao noted that three years post-pandemic, a significant number of people have relocated their families and assets overseas.
Mr. Chen, a Hong Kong resident living in London, stated that vacant residences near him have been steadily bought in recent years. When he inquired about the situation with a real estate agency, he was informed that the buyers mostly come from China. These observations align with statements from mainland agents, indicating a continuous outflow of Chinese funds to overseas destinations.
Mr. Li, a high-end residential resident in Pudong, Shanghai, told reporters that numerous families in his community have sent their children to study in the UK or Singapore. Some wish for their children to stay in the UK, while others opt for living in Germany.
Ms. Liu, the international sales manager of a large UK developer, mentioned that inquiries from Chinese buyers for London residential and commercial properties have increased over the past two years. Some are looking for properties exceeding £2 million as their main family assets, with even local bank presidents inquiring about UK villa prices. Ms. Liu stated that the proportion of Chinese buyers in London is still on the rise.
According to local media reports, a mixed-use property in Mayfair, London, was transacted for around £28 million between 2024 and 2025, with the buyer hailing from China’s coastal regions and completing the deal through offshore structures.
Hong Kong, as an offshore center for Renminbi, serves as a significant conduit for Chinese funds entering overseas markets. Ms. Chen Liping, an executive director at a wealth advisory firm, mentioned that mainland clients inquire about ways to maintain asset stability amidst market fluctuations. Some individuals purchase substantial insurance policies, while others open bank accounts overseas for fund transfers. She noted that the demand for overseas real estate among mainland clients remains strong, primarily focusing on the UK, Australia, and Japan.
The latest data from Singapore shows that in the first quarter of 2025, the proportion of foreign buyers in the core area has reached a nearly two-year high, with Chinese buyers holding a significant share. Despite increased additional buyer stamp duty locally, Chinese buyers are still completing purchases with cash.
Australian media reported that a buyer from Guangdong has acquired multiple properties in Sydney, with the cumulative amount potentially exceeding $37 million. Real estate agencies indicate that Chinese buyers seeking residential properties for long-term holding remain common.
Mr. Li, engaged in cross-border asset management in Shanghai, mentioned that many families extend their time arrangements when planning overseas assets. Previously, clients were primarily motivated by their children’s education, but now more individuals are inquiring about the transfer process, compliance requirements, and holding costs.
Overseas media reports reveal that in recent years, the United Arab Emirates has become a new destination for Chinese buyers. Data shows that in Dubai’s real estate transactions in 2024, Chinese buyers accounted for approximately 8%. Several agents have indicated that some business owners and family funds are considering long-term holdings of local properties and residency arrangements. While some transactions involving Chinese buyers have exceeded $20 million, comprehensive public data is currently unavailable.