Urban housing reform and development in China

China's transition from a central planned economy to a market economy has meant rapid change in the reform and development of the urban housing system. The Chinese Government is developing policies to increase the amount of residential housing construction and the capital support for housing consumption. The housing industry is being used as a driver for economic growth and improved quality of life. In 1998 the multi-level housing system for different economic groups was introduced. The subsequent market opportunities created by this move are explored. The scale of urban housing construction will increase significantly; the national economic growth rate based upon the housing industry is significant; the multi-level housing system is necessary for urban housing reform; the demand for urban housing will increase; the provision of housing will change to accommodate technological change and market reforms.