6 Years After Paying in Full, Foreigner Still Has No Home?

Source: OT-Team(G)，防城法院

A local court in Guangxi recently ruled in favor of two foreign nationals in separate lawsuits involving disputes over off-plan residential property sales.

Case 1: Six-Year Delay Triggers Compensation

In June 2018, a foreign buyer identified as A signed a pre-sale contract with a local real estate developer to purchase a residential unit, with a scheduled delivery date set for February 2019. A paid the full purchase price in a lump sum on the day of signing. However, more than six years passed without the developer delivering the property, nor did the company honor its contractual obligation to pay late penalties.

After numerous failed attempts to resolve the issue through communication, the buyer filed a lawsuit in the Fangcheng District People's Court. In March 2025, the court ruled in favor of the foreign buyer, ordering the real estate company to pay a total of 17,000 yuan in penalties for breach of contract, calculated up to the date of the judgment.

Case 2: Failure to Register Contract Leaves Buyer in Limbo

In a separate case dating back to September 2016, another foreign national, referred to as B, entered into a pre-sale agreement with a property company and paid the full purchase price. However, the developer failed for years to fulfill its legal obligation to complete the online registration of the sales contract—a necessary step for the buyer to obtain official property ownership documentation.

Despite repeated negotiations, no resolution was reached. In March 2025, the Fangcheng District People's Court ruled that the developer must assist the buyer in completing the registration process within 30 days of the court's decision taking effect.

Legal Experts: Reminder to Protect Rights Through Legal Channels

Legal analysts note that while foreign nationals can legally purchase property in China under certain conditions, contract disputes and delays in delivery or registration are not uncommon. These two cases serve as reminders that foreign buyers should stay vigilant about contract terms and be prepared to assert their rights through the legal system when necessary.