Courting a traditional lifestyle

METRO reporter Alexandra Leyton Espinoza asks Ren Yechen, media specialist at Wandecheng Real Estate Agency, about renting and buying courtyard houses in Beijing.

How can I rent a courtyard house in Beijing?

Turn to a housing agency If you don't have good contacts. They will help you look for a courtyard house according to your requirements and handle potential problems with the house owner. Most foreigners have their own private translators.

If you decide on a house, we will arrange a meeting between you and the owner to discuss the contract. To sign an agreement, you should bring your passport.

What should I consider before renting a courtyard house?

You should know what kind of rights you have at the house. What you are allowed or not allowed to do. Some courtyard houses don't have a parking area.

In some houses, you can decorate the rooms in your own way.

But you need to follow some regulations, for example, the height and width of the courtyard house can't be changed.

Where can I find a courtyard house which is restored but not completely modernized?

Only 50 to 100 courtyard houses are currently available for rent. Most houses are in Dongcheng and Xicheng districts. There are 33 protected courtyard houses in the Dongsi and Jingshan areas.

Many courtyard houses available for rent are restored in a traditional Chinese way. For example, they have grey roof tiles, grey bricks and red pillars. But inside, they have facilities like heating and Western-style toilets.

How much is the rent for a courtyard house?

A courtyard house usually covers an area of between 100-1,400 sq m. Rental is between 10,000-200,000 yuan a month.

Can I buy a courtyard house? How much will it cost?

Yes foreigners can, but they have to go through security checks first at a local police station. The checks are meant to ensure that the person doesn't have a criminal record. The price of the courtyard houses range from 5 million to 400 million yuan, depending on the house and its location. The most expensive houses are in the Shichahai and Nanchizi areas.