Beijing Rental Prices Rebound as Transaction Volume Surges Mid-2026

Beijing residential rents rebounded in the first half of 2026, rising for four consecutive months with a cumulative gain under 1 percent as the market shifted from broad declines to divergent recovery. This movement appears in private residential rental transaction data that reached 22,029 units, an increase of 1.6 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Transaction Volume and Pricing Patterns

Private residential rental transactions increased 1.6 percent year-over-year to 22,029 units in H1 2026, yet average prices fell 3.7 percent to 2.60 yuan per square meter per day. The combination points to a pattern of stable volume with lower prices, according to figures reported by Global Property Guide and China Index Academy.

Apartment Segment Details

Concentrated apartment effective rent per square meter declined 6.2 percent year-over-year to 6.02 yuan per square meter per day by June 2026. Occupancy rates recovered from an 87.35 percent low in January to 89.28 percent in June, showing gradual improvement in utilisation even as rents eased.

Office Rent Context and Supply Outlook

Average Grade A office rents in Beijing fell 11.8 percent year-over-year to RMB 200.31 per square meter per month in Q1 2026, with a forecasted further 6.6 to 6.8 percent decline for the full year due to oversupply and rent concessions. Approximately 22,000 new shared and affordable rental units are expected to launch in 2027, which will significantly impact Beijing's future rental market structure.

These price movements reflect ongoing supply pressure and tenant caution rather than rapid expansion. Market participants are watching how the additional 2027 units interact with current occupancy trends and the modest residential rent rebound already recorded.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.