Independent young women put their faith in bricks and mortar

Single females are ignoring tradition and buying homes of their own. Yao Yuxin reports.

Prospective bridegrooms in China used to complain that their potential mothers-in-law were the biggest drivers of rising residential property prices, because they insisted that their daughter's suitor should purchase an apartment before marriage.

Traditionally, ownership of a house or apartment is believed to guarantee a happy marriage, and the groom has to bear the responsibility of buying one.