Shanghai Residential Rental Market

Located on the Yangtz Delta, Shanghai is the gateway to China . It has developed as an economic centre and, with a population of more than 20 million, is still transforming at an exceedingly high speed. Significant impact of western culture makes Shanghai is an ideal city for overseas business people to live and work. It is such a cosmopolitan that it arguably stands side by side with renowned international cities.
Geographically, Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu river into two parts: the west part, Puxi and the east part, Pudong.

Puxi and Pudong
Puxi is the economic and political center of Shanghai having a variety of comprehensive services ranging from banking, accounting, engineering, entertainment and telecommunications, etc. For a long time expatriates have preferred to live in Puxi because of the convenience of shopping and dining. The old western architecture handed from the colonial period also reinforces the charm of the area. More popular neighborhoods in the area are Old French Concession, Xintiandi, People's Square Community, Yu Garden Community, Zhongshan Park Community,Jing'an Temple Community, Xujiahui Community, Hongqiao & Gubei Community, Huqingping Highway Community and Zhudi Town Community.
With pleasant scenery and refreshing air, Pudong is now becoming a top location for people to live and relax. It was awarded the title of National Garden City. More public green areas, better traffics and increasing number of business establishments and supporting facilities offer strong incentives for living. More popular neighborhoods are Lujiazui Area, Green City ( Biyun) Community and Lianyang Community.

Housing Options
There are various housing options for expatriates. While new developments include new villas, new apartments and serviced apartments, Old residences such as old villas, lane houses, old colonial houses, old compounds attracts those who are interested in the atmosphere of the old days. The new properties, with all the modern fits-out, are usually well managed around the clock.Old residences have been restored to its original styles, and are hidden away along quiet tree lined streets.

Rents
While housing options range from luxury villas to ordinary apartments, which are sufficient to satisfy the needs of various kinds of clients, r ents differ significantly throughout the city. It is determined by various factors about the property such as the its location, quality, age and style, furniture, facilities, popularity , availability and even management. The tenant's terms and conditions can also be an important working factor. Currently rents are rough divided into three sections with the low fro m US$1,500 – US$3,000 per unit per month, the medium from US$3,000 – US$6,000 per unit per month and the high end from US$6,000 – US$12,000 per unit per month.