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Many Chinese homebuyers are paying mortgages on homes they may never live in

Sep 14, 2022
With real estate firms in financial distress, thousands of people are left with unfinished condos. Some are trying to fight back.
Last year, musician Chen Peng took Marketplace to the development in Zhengzhou where he bought a two-bedroom condo. The development remains unfinished today.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

Condo loan qualifications loosened as FHA eases crisis-era restrictions

Aug 22, 2019
The Federal Housing Administration restricted those loans during the 2008 financial crisis.
A "For Sale" sign in the front yard of a D.C. home.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Where have all the condos gone?

May 31, 2019
These days, builders prefer more lucrative apartments and townhouses.
A new development in Denver will feature 120 condos, at an average price of $440,000.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

Churches convert to rentals as young people leave the flock

Oct 11, 2016
Houses of worship are merging or closing. In Philly, more than a quarter of those have been redeveloped.
Philadelphia’s former St. Anthony of Padua Church (left) has been converted into upscale lofts, and apartments are planned for St. Laurentius' site, also in Philadelphia.
Courtesy of Bobby Allyn