Property types in Shanghai include villas(别墅, Bieshu), apartments(公寓, Gongyu), serviced apartment(酒店式公寓, Jiudianshi gongyu) and old house(老房子, Laofangzi) available on the market in Shanghai. There are either owned by a private landlord or by the developer. A developer owned property is better managed but are also more rigid during the lease contract negotiation.

Villas - typically outside of Shanghai’s city center, these are the luxury complexes that come fully furnished and equipped with a community center, health club, and restaurant. They are usually gated communities in family- oriented locations and are closer to schools than they are to nightlife and entertainment. Many have children’s facilities on site. Some provide shuttle bus services to major shopping areas.
Apartments – a boom in development projects has been seen over the past few years. Overseas Chinese and locals have rushed in to buy, and then rent them out to foreigners with housing allowances. These apartments tend to be new, built within the last few years. They are spacious high rises with elevators. The apartments are sold “raw” and renovated by the buyer. Depending on the owner, some have high quality fixtures and charming wooden floors, and some have cheap tiles and flooring. If you like the complex, look at different apartments in the same building. The newer the building, the more likely you will have to deal with the noise of a neighbor renovating their interior. Some developments offer housekeeping, concierge service, and fitness facilities.
Old Houses – includes old villas, apartments and lane houses, foreigners and rich Chinese built graciously designed homes, notably from the 1920s to the 1940s. They are charming and heavily sought- after, especially by foreigners. Thus their prices reflect the heavy demand. Some are beautifully renovated, have quiet gardens, and make living in a bustling city a much more calming experience. However, aside from the unique charm, old building may still have some disadvantages like obsolete wiring, leaky plumbing, drafty windows, and the presence of vermin.