Picky Chinese invest smartly in overseas residential units

Zhou Yilan, 46, owner of a private firm in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, heaved a sigh of relief when her lawyer called on Jan 8 to say the paperwork related to her purchase of a house in Los Angeles has been completed finally.

"I can rest assured and enjoy the Spring Festival now," said Zhou, speaking to China Daily shortly thereafter.

She spent more than six months to formalize the LA property deal. "It was one of the biggest challenges I have ever experienced."