WOODS: And Xin's problem may soon become President Xi Jinping's problem.

LEE XIN: (Through interpreter) I'll never have the ability to buy an apartment again. And at the same time, they're watching house prices in China skyrocket.

But while they're waiting for the apartment, they've put off having kids. He now has a good job at marketing in the big city in Xian, but an apartment can really seal the deal. You know, like Xin grew up poor in the countryside. Having your own apartment in China is kind of crucial for young men like Xin, who want to be attractive marriage prospects. WONG: But his apartment is still only half finished, so he's paying his mortgage and rent to live somewhere else. LEE XIN: (Through interpreter) When I bought this house, I looked with pride at what I'd accomplished. Lee Xin (ph) bought his apartment nine years ago. SYLVIE DOUGLIS, BYLINE: This is PLANET MONEY from NPR.