Master Chi — March 16, 2022, 7:49 PM — Kiwi
Student Question: Hello, Master. BTC has dropped nearly half from its peak — are you still bullish on it? Given that there aren’t many better investment options right now, would you consider it one of the alternatives? What do the wealthy people in your circle think of it?
Not optimistic. Cashing out is too difficult — at least in the mainland environment, that’s the reality.
Master Chi — March 16, 2022, 7:49 PM — Xiang Sifei
Student Question: Hello, Master. I have two questions about Shanghai real estate: 1) My child is starting school in Qiantan next semester — would it make sense to buy a small three-bedroom there? The area has excellent schools nearby, and after the child grows up it would be easy to rent out. 2) I’ve heard there are major development plans for Jinqiao (near CEIBS). Would it be worth buying a large house in that area?
No reason for concern about Qiantan as a district. However, since it surged quite sharply in 2021, buying in now may mean sitting at a loss for a period — not too long, roughly two years or so.
Xiang Sifei: Thank you, Master.
Master Chi — March 16, 2022, 7:51 PM — Caicaizi
Student Question: Hello, I currently own two properties in Beijing — one is a Xicheng school-district apartment, and the other is an older, smaller unit in Shijingshan (a one-bedroom worth around 2.8 million RMB, not my primary residence, subject to capital gains tax, currently rented out and covering about 70% of the mortgage). Shijingshan shows signs of declining value. In the current market, I’m thinking of selling it and upgrading to a newer property in a better district — but that would increase my monthly mortgage burden. Given the current economic climate, should I sell and upgrade, or sell and put the money into financial products?
Skip the financial products. Picking a solid property or a decent stock — neither is a bad move. The market ahead is set to recover gradually alongside the broader environment; a rising tide lifts all boats.
And the mortgage burden you take on — reasonable as it is — will feel significantly lighter in the coming years as inflation quietly erodes it.