Hunan Prefabricated Slab House Transformation

Hunan Province has incorporated the governance and transformation of prefabricated slab houses into the core content of its urban renewal initiatives, advancing systematic transformation through policy guidance, classified disposal, and innovative models.

I. Policy Framework and Transformation Goals

In accordance with the requirements of the State Council's '15th Five-Year Plan for Urban Renewal,' Hunan Province has set a clear goal to complete the transformation of over 500,000 prefabricated slab houses within the next five years, with a focus on eliminating safety hazards associated with C- and D-grade dangerous housing. The policy adheres to the principles of 'safety first and classified disposal,' prioritizing the transformation of three types of houses:

1. D-grade dilapidated houses: Houses identified by professionals as having failed load-bearing structures and posing overall risks, requiring mandatory demolition and reconstruction;
2. Houses in high-risk areas: Located in earthquake zones or areas prone to geological disasters, these houses are prioritized for transformation even if they do not meet D-grade standards;
3. Over-aged old houses: Houses over 40 years old with excessively high maintenance and reinforcement costs are encouraged to undergo in-situ reconstruction or functional upgrades.

II. Transformation Pathways and Model Innovations

Hunan Province supports the 'self-renewal, original demolition and reconstruction' model, allowing residents to advance transformation without relocating. In 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources will jointly streamline the approval process, establishing unified national application standards to lower the participation threshold for residents. For example, a pilot project in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, involved residents signing agreements to rebuild a five-story prefabricated slab building into an 11-story elevator building, providing replicable experience for Hunan.

The policy emphasizes avoiding a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to demolition, instead adopting measures such as seismic reinforcement and pipeline updates for houses with reinforcement value to enhance safety. Additionally, a house safety inspection system will be established to regularly assess structural stability, creating a comprehensive 'prevention-treatment-guarantee' mechanism.

III. Funding and Guarantee Mechanisms

Transformation funds will be raised through a 'government-guided, market-participated, and resident-shared' model:

• Financial subsidies: Special funds will be provided to support the transformation of D-grade dilapidated houses and low-income groups;
• Market-oriented operations: Social capital will be encouraged to participate in functional conversion projects (such as mixed commercial and residential use), balancing transformation costs through rental income;
• Insurance system: The promotion of house safety insurance will disperse extreme risks and enhance long-term guarantee capabilities.

IV. Implementation Progress and Future Directions

Hunan Province has integrated the transformation of prefabricated slab houses with urban renewal, old residential area renovations, and other projects, prioritizing projects in central urban areas and densely populated regions. In the future, digital technologies will be combined to establish house safety archives, enabling dynamic monitoring and precise governance, and gradually forming a transformation system that ensures 'safety, functional enhancement, and high-quality living.'