Real estate developers are encouraged to build schools around new housing projects to solve the school shortage problem for people relocating, the Shanghai Evening Post reported yesterday.

A growing number of local residents have moved from downtown to outlying areas, and although they are enjoying comfortable housing and a better environment, there is a shortage of nearby schools for their children.

A local primary school had planned to recruit no more than 30 students for each class, but now the number has reached 50.

Some local property developers had promised to build a school around new projects, but later suspended the plan due to lack of capital.

Real estate developers should focus on establishing schools in their development plan, said Sun Xuefen, a deputy of the Shanghai People's Congress.

According to a survey, people aged between 26 and 35 have become the main buyers in the local housing market, with most of their children at school age.
 
Whether there is a school near new projects or not has become the top consideration for local property buyers, the industry analyst said.

New housing projects with complete educational facilities are proving very popular, said the analyst.