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There is raging debate on whether Australia is experiencing a housing shortage. The construction industry and real estate professionals argue that there is a critical shortage, while non-aligned organizations such as Prosper Australia disputes the claim. The arguments for an existing shortage According to the most recent report on Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI)from the Housing Industry Association (HIA), a shortage in quality housing continues to be an issue with a 45.9 points reading in April this year. Readings below 50 is an indication that there is a decrease in building activity. If this condition continues, the HIA foresees that the aggregate housing shortage in Australia will hit 466,000 dwellings by 2020. Housing growth not commensurate to population growth An argument that advances this claim is coming from a Bloomberg article which cited a Commonwealth Bank Report that stated that based on an ABS Australian Demographic Statistics Sep

With increased number of work opportunities, better living standards and unique culture, China has become a popular destination for expats to live. The number has risen by 18 percent according to data from the Centre for Future Studies. Considering these figures, economists predict China will soon overtake US on the grounds of "the world's largest economy" by 2018. As per survey reports of HSBC's latest Expat Explorer, it has been found that 69% of expats in China have more disposable income, while nearly half (44%) agree that China has offered them a remarkable improvement in their financial status along with a higher quality of life. Scottish-born expat Scott Fraser works in Beijing for language firm Rosetta Stone. "China's been a completely wonderful experience," he says. "The system of support is so great, and so immediate, that within a few weeks of arriving, I had more friends than I'd built up in London." Beijing, Shangha