Comment on "Policies limit jump in house prices" (China Daily, Nov 19)

It's good to see the government making greater efforts to build affordable houses. A major problem in China is property speculation. About 180 million new housing units are reportedly lying unoccupied in China. So can speculation, which drives housing prices up, be curbed?

The media have reported that many local governments pay small amounts to farmers to requisition agricultural land and transfer it to property developers at huge rates. Does it have something to do with corruption? Perhaps the relationship between real estate developers and local officials should be investigated to eradicate corruption.

Teacher M, on China Daily website

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(China Daily 11/30/2012 page9)