Fang nu (房奴) “house slave” refers to the group of people who have to spend a large part of their family income on a mortgage. Although they have bought a house or flat, their life is not easy. In order to pay off the mortgage they dare not easily change their job, dare not spend on entertainment, dare not travel, worry about falling ill and losing their job, let alone enjoy life. They have become slaves to the mortgage on their house or flat.
Example
Wang Lin, 24, copy editor, bought a flat with the joint income of herself and her husband for a total price of 460,000 yuan. The mortgage is 2,600 yuan a month, which accounts for about 50% of their income. The couple have practically nothing left each month after they have paid the mortgage and deducted their living expenses. As they like singing, the couple used to go to night clubs or discos several times a month. Now they can only afford to go to such places once every few months. Moreover, they avoid going to restaurants if they can eat at home and avoid taking a taxi if they can take a bus. They have to calculate carefully every penny they spend.
词语 Glossary
①月供 yuègōng: monthly mortgage payment
②房贷 fángdài: short for 购房贷款(housing mortgage)
