In 2017, the 19th National Congress Report outlined a new direction for housing in China, emphasizing that “housing is for living, not for speculative investment.” It called for establishing a housing system with multiple suppliers, diversified support channels, and a balance between renting and buying, ensuring housing for all.

Over the past 40 years, Shenzhen has achieved significant progress in housing development. However, with the continued net inflow of population and rapid rises in housing prices, challenges such as demand & supply imbalances, structural mismatches and insufficient safeguards have intensified. These issues manifest in three key areas: total supply, structure, and spatial distribution.

As a pioneer demonstration zone for socialism with Chinese characteristics and a benchmark for quality of life, Shenzhen has raised its housing goals from “ensuring housing for all” to “ensuring livable housing.” This study integrates high-level policy guidance and international best practices to establish housing development goals. It evaluates Shenzhen’s housing stock and supply capacity, providing strategic recommendations for total supply, structural adjustments, and spatial layout to address core challenges and enhance livability.