27-year-old Hu Wen in Beijing bought his own apartment near Beijing's Central Business District last year after amassing a deposit sufficient for the down payment. Having a new apartment in downtown and close to his work place, Hu Wen should be the envy of many of his peers. But, he is not happy.

"I feel the housing loan is really a heavy burden for me, which I didn't expect. Now, over half of my income goes to pay for the monthly installments."

The monthly installments are increasing while his salary has barely risen. Hu Wen already regrets his hasty decision.

"If I could turn back time, I think I wouldn't have chosen to shoulder such a heavy burdon so early and would be more practical."

And Hu Wen is not alone. A recent survey conducted by the major online website Sina.com reveals that for nearly 32 percent of loan holders, more than half of their incomes go to cover monthly installments alone, while guidelines generally suggest it should be no more than one-third.

With such heavy "debts", these people are forced to calculate their earnings and their expenditures day by day, thus depriving them of joy and fun in their lives.

And what's worse to them is the mental pressure.

Meng Lingtao is an analyst with the Horizon Research Consultancy Group.

"They fear they'll be unemployed or become ill, putting them constantly under mental pressure. The mortgage has already affected their lives."

And Meng Lingtao also says that the high housing prices and people's impractical expectations are the main reasons behind the social phenomenon.

"Many people expect that housing prices will go up quickly and think it's a good way to save money by owning an apartment as early as possible, while they sometimes aren't ready economically for the big investment."

The rocketing housing prices have made many young people perplexed about finding a balance between leading a cozy life and paying the installments.

Jin Yusong, manager of Homelink Housing Real Estate Agency gives his suggestion.

"Young people can realize their housing plan step by step. They can first choose to lease, then they can buy a small-sized home, and when they are affluent enough, buy a big house."

So before you make that big decision, make a detailed plan for yourself.

China Drive is one of CRI's radio programs aired from Monday to Friday. Chinastic picks the most interesting life reports from China Drive. Stay tuned.