In the past months, landlords have floated prices for rental for properties along Line 5, and new housing projects have advertised the convenience of the subway to bolster sales.  

During the week-long National Holiday, "I Love My Home" real estate agency attracted 6,000 people to large-scale viewing tours to promote units along existing and under-construction subway lines.  

During the same period, the company received over 10,000 inquiries for second-hand properties along various lines, with Line 5 at the top of the favorite list. 

Based on the agency's records, second hand properties along Line 5 in Fangzhuang, Liujiayao, Hepingli and Lishuiqiao made up 28 percent of its total sales. 

Besides commuters and developers, homeowners are the biggest beneficiaries of the opening of Line 5. According to statistics released by 21st Century Real Estate, from 2004 to 2006, prices of second-hand properties surrounding Songjiazhuang increased between 20 and 30 percent each year. But recently, the prices have soared over 40 percent.  

Second-hand properties in several housing estates in the area are now selling for 9,000 to 10,000 yuan per square meter. Meanwhile, new housing projects are asking for 12,000 yuan per square meter. 

Xiao Wang and An Jing dream of one day buying another property located closer to their workplace, but the steep prices are potent deterrents.  

"When we were university students, we dreamed of some day being rich, living in a villa near a flowing stream and hills. Over the years, we have learned to be more realistic and our dreams have become simpler. 

"Now, we are content as long as we live in the same city under under the same roof, and only need to spend five yuan a day on transportation," Wang says.