Hi Nathan,
China property market is in its infancy so could be likened to buying in London in 1970s. I suspect a lot more growth, however....... China is a very unwise place to buy. The law will always favour indigenous population in a dispute. I know a businessman who lost millions due to corruption which pervades Chinese society through and through, indeed in his case it eventually turned out everyone involved from local Govt. to factory workers were out to con him. Even large muti - nationals have lost out due to anti - foreign bias.
One thing I?ve learned over the years is to invest in lands where the Law and rules provide similar protection to UK. A good example is Germany. There is huge growth potential due to long recession and the state is not corrupt.
If you want to take risks and have money skimmed - off by local gangs the options are many (Estonia, Croatia, Bulgaria etc).
Thank you
Nicholas