Media reports can give birth to new professions. Last week, reports that Beijing was investigate the huge numbers of vacant houses in the city upset some but delighted others.

A new group of professional "house-sitters" has appeared on the scene. Mr. Wang, a pioneer in the profession, says he has all bases covered when it comes to satisfying investigators. He makes sure that water and electricity services are connected and deals with property managers. "We will send people to stay in the house during inspections, turn the taps and lights on to make sure the meters record usage every month, and make contact with property managers, acting as the owner of the house if necessary."

The service does not come cheap. The price for monthly cleaning and fortnightly inspections ranges from 350 yuan for a one-bedroom apartment to 1150 yuan for a four-bedroom. For 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom villas, the cost ranges from 700 yuan to 1450 per month.

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