Fake divorces fuel housing market in China

Buyers of second homes cash in on fake divorces

"A fake divorce certificate will cost you 150 yuan [HK$174], or you can buy two for 300 yuan so that both of you have one," said an employee of a fake divorce certificate company in Beijing.

Welcome to the latest mainland trend: getting divorced, or appearing to, in order to save money on buying a second or third home.

With real estate prices still soaring and regulations enacted in April to increase the down payment needed on second and third homes while raising mortgage rates, couples have been taking advantage of one of the loopholes in the system.

It says that two unmarried people are able to buy two properties for more favourable prices, but a married couple would incur much higher costs.

Chinese excel at finding loopholes.