China's desperate developers dangle quirky deals, from flights to iPhones

Lunar New Year period poses test as players compete for shrinking market

20250128 Zhongshan buildings

Some Chinese developers are coming up with unusual promotions to lure homebuyers, particularly in smaller cities where demand is weaker than in the main metropolises like Shanghai. (Photo by CFOTO/Future Publishing/Getty Images)

STELLA YIFAN XIE and KENJI KAWASE

HONG KONG -- Chinese property developers are dangling unconventional perks to entice homebuyers as the market downturn stretches into a fifth year, from bare-minimum down payments to free iPhones and even more exotic benefits.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.