[HomrQT]

Originally Posted by bcp

you do realize that private developers in china are not really private developers... most are state-owned (majority ownership in the partnership, not just state-sponsored) enterprises that include massive subsidies from tax dollars. it's really difficult to compare to US risk / financing / height outcomes.

and the chinese gov't provides most of the low interest loans...

and the chinese gov't collects a 40% fee on the value of the land from the developer - so as the debt provider, majority share holder, and fee collector they are ALL for building tall (plus it looks shiny and new compared to the wesT)


related to other comments above... can't speak for all, but as a former developer, i can tell you that few developers gives a rat's behind about height - if it pencils out, awesome...if not, 4 stories with 40% margins all day long

I didn't realize the state was so heavily invested in real estate in China, though I'm not at all surprised. Even so, the Chinese government is probably interested in making a return on that investment. So I still question some of the statements from earlier about what is required to put up a supertall.