Policies and Regulations on Prefabricated Housing Assembly

The policies and regulations on prefabricated housing (prefabricated buildings) vary by region, with clear provisions and targets set nationwide and in some local areas.

National Policies

In September 2016, the "Guiding Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Vigorously Developing Prefabricated Buildings" was issued, stating that the development of prefabricated buildings represents a major transformation in construction methods and is an important measure to advance supply-side structural reform and new urbanization. The policy focuses on promoting the development in three major urban agglomerations: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta, aiming to conserve resources and energy, reduce construction pollution, enhance labor productivity and quality safety levels, and promote the deep integration of the construction industry with informatization and industrialization.

Local Policies

1. Shanghai: The implementation scope is extensive, covering residential, public, industrial, and other types of construction projects, although some small auxiliary buildings may be exempt. In terms of indicator requirements, except for specific areas, the prefabrication rate of new individual buildings should be no less than 40% or the assembly rate should be no less than 60%, with corresponding reductions for high-rise and low-rise residential buildings. Other policies include promoting general contracting bidding for prefabricated affordable housing, providing subsidies and floor area ratio incentives, and gradually increasing the proportion of prefabricated buildings.
2. Zhejiang Province: Several places have formulated and issued corresponding policy documents, with Shaoxing City designated as a pilot city. The "Zhejiang Provincial Green Building Regulations" stipulate that by the end of 2020, newly built multi-story and high-rise residential buildings should basically achieve full decoration. Ningbo City plans to have prefabricated buildings account for 30% of newly built structures by 2020.
3. Hainan Province: A clear development goal has been set, aiming to have prefabricated buildings account for 80% of newly started construction projects by 2025.
4. Guangzhou City: Starting from 2026, 100% of residential land parcels sold in the city will implement prefabricated buildings, with commercial and industrial land parcels adopting the technology wherever technically feasible.
5. Foshan City: By 2030, the newly built floor area of prefabricated buildings will account for more than 50% of the total newly built floor area, with government-invested projects reaching over 70%. The promotion of modular buildings and prefabricated decoration is encouraged, along with the adoption of general contracting models.