dexinwin On September 18, the State Council Information Office held a press conference as part of a series themed "Getting Off to a Good Start for the 15th Five-Year Plan," outlining efforts to promote high-quality development in housing and urban-rural construction during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period. Chen Shaowang, spokesperson and Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, stated that the key to improving living standards for the public lies in building "good homes"—residences that are safe, comfortable, green, and smart. Regarding construction standards, the Ministry aims to enhance residential quality across the entire value chain, focusing on superior standards, design, materials, construction methods, and long-term operation and maintenance.
A key topic of interest at the press conference was the standard for elevator installation in residential buildings. Chen Shaowang explained that to address the challenges elderly residents face in navigating stairs, the new standards mandate the installation of elevators in residential buildings of four stories or higher. Additionally, the standard for floor-to-floor height has been raised from 2.8 meters to 3 meters, and the minimum height for guardrails in open areas—such as balconies and external corridors—has been uniformly increased to at least 1.2 meters.
In fact, the requirement for elevators in buildings of four stories or more is not new; it is already included in the national standard *Code for Residential Projects*, which took effect on May 1, 2025. This code stipulates that the floor-to-floor height of newly built residential buildings must be at least 3 meters. It also requires at least one elevator per residential unit for buildings where the highest entrance floor is on the fourth story or above, or where the floor level of the highest entrance is more than 9 meters above the designed outdoor ground level.
The trend of lowering the floor-level threshold for elevator installation is closely linked to the aging population and evolving residential needs. Historically, many multi-story residential buildings lacked elevators, forcing residents on upper floors to rely on stairs. As the proportion of elderly residents grows—and as demand rises for barrier-free access, ease of moving goods, and rapid movement during emergencies—elevators have shifted from being mere conveniences in select buildings to essential components of high-quality living.
Changes in elevator installation standards also reflect a shift in residential design philosophy. Future housing projects must look beyond floor area and unit layouts to place greater emphasis on public spaces, age-friendly facilities, barrier-free access, and long-term maintenance. The Ministry's proposal to advance the construction of "good homes" by addressing the entire lifecycle—from standards and design to materials, construction, and maintenance—demonstrates the continued refinement of the residential quality assessment system. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) has reiterated requirements for installing elevators in residential buildings of four stories or higher, marking a new phase in the development of "quality housing."
For homebuyers, factors such as the presence of elevators, the number of elevators per unit, whether a stretcher can fit inside the elevator car, and the accessibility between the elevator and the building entrance are likely to become key considerations. For elderly households in particular, elevators are crucial not only for the convenience of daily movement but also for the long-term suitability of the home.
At the same time, a distinction must be made between new and existing residential buildings. For older communities that have already been built, the installation of elevators cannot be interpreted simply as a mandatory requirement for all buildings of four stories or more. Current policies regarding elevator retrofitting in existing buildings typically require a comprehensive approach that considers resident consent, structural integrity, safety conditions, planning approvals, and funding arrangements. Such initiatives are increasingly integrated with broader efforts in urban renewal, the renovation of older neighborhoods, and age-friendly upgrades.
As housing construction and urban renewal efforts advance during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, residential elevators, age-friendly facilities, and the quality of public spaces are expected to remain focal points. The housing sector is shifting its emphasis from mere quantity—simply having a home—to quality, focusing on the creation of "good homes."
MOHURD’s reiteration of standards for elevators in buildings of four stories or higher has once again brought the concept of "quality housing" into the public spotlight. Looking ahead, standards for new residential buildings regarding safety, comfort, sustainability, and smart technology are expected to be further refined, ultimately providing residents with a more convenient and livable environment.
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