More wealthy Chinese investors are now questioning whether luxury homes are really a safe way to preserve money.
On Chinese social media, many are now discussing houses in Shenzhen Bay that cost 60–66 million yuan (414,000–455,000 USD) compared directly to Bitcoin, Nvidia stocks, and BNB. They do not see the houses as status, but as an option among several investments in a global portfolio.
Crypto vs concrete: This is why China's wealthy are questioning whether it's worth owning property
This change is evident as Shenzhen Bay has long been one of mainland China's most prestigious and stable residential areas. But new posts show that even this area is now affected by uncertainty.
A notable post described a viewing of a property for 66 million yuan and simultaneously warned a friend that the value could fall to 30 million in three years. According to the post, prices in the area have already dropped by nearly 50%. Many believe it could get even worse if a new financial crisis hits.
‘Houses have no intrinsic value; one must view the purchase of property as an investment,’ wrote the user, referring to TRON founder Justin Sun. When compared to global assets like Bitcoin, Nvidia stocks, and BNB, the conclusion according to the person is ‘quite clear.’
Other investors expressed the same concerns. One person said they took out a mortgage of 60 million yuan in Shenzhen but stated they did not know 'whether to feel happy or worried.'
‘Did I really take a loan of 60 million, Shenzhen CITIC City Opening Xinyue Bay. I don’t know whether to be happy or worried,’ wrote the user.
Another joked about becoming a ‘house slave.’ They pointed out that one only escapes the biggest psychological burden if they pay everything upfront. More warned and pointed to high interest rates, greater housing supply, and the risk of betting all money on an illiquid asset.
It is not just about price cuts; the debate also shows concerns about liquidity and political risks. Investors say that luxury homes are now harder to sell quickly and are also more visible to authorities.
Buying a house for 100 million yuan or more can lead to tax audits and investigations. This increases risks during periods of tightened policies. Cryptocurrencies and global stocks are therefore seen as easier to manage, sell, and move abroad.
Hong Kong's property premium is about freedom, not returns.
The comparison also highlights why Hong Kong properties continue to be expensive. According to a post, the value is not about returns but about ‘buying freedom with money.’
European properties, which can provide residency permits or passports for less money, are mentioned as examples where housing promotes mobility rather than status. Luxury homes on the mainland, however, provide neither good returns nor opportunities.
Some investors compared the current housing market to Chinese A-shares. They argue that domestic assets fall during geopolitical problems but do not rise when global markets are doing well.
Real estate, especially in Shenzhen Bay, shows the same pattern. They are negatively affected during downturns but remain stagnant in positive markets.
This applies to more than just housing. Crypto is no longer primarily seen as a gamble, but as a way to protect capital and increase flexibility.
Younger investors who cannot afford to buy luxury homes are now completely opting out of it. They are betting on digital assets and foreign stocks, which have clearer risks and are easier to buy.
Comparing luxury homes to Bitcoin and global stocks indicates a shift in Chinese wealth management. As capital mobility becomes paramount and political scrutiny increases, more are choosing liquid global assets instead of real estate to preserve value.
How the authorities react, and whether housing prices stabilize, could determine China's domestic market. It could also affect the next wave of cryptocurrency proliferation in the country.
