If you’re an investor keeping tabs on the international scene, there’s a real estate saga unfolding in China that’s impossible to ignore. The main protagonist? The once-mighty property giant, Evergrande.

Evergrande, which holds the dubious distinction of being China’s most indebted property developer, is walking on thin ice. As of June, it was shackled with a staggering $332 billion in liabilities. The scale of this liability isn’t just a figure; it translates to thousands of homes the company promised but hasn’t yet delivered.

Flashback to last month, Evergrande made headlines by pulling the plug on a $19 billion debt restructuring plan, one that had been under discussion for years. The reason given? Apparently, they faced regulatory obstacles. Investors, holding over $6 billion of the company’s bonds, have now voiced their concerns, stating that if a deal isn’t pushed through, the outcome could be an “uncontrolled collapse” of Evergrande.

But why should this matter to the broader market?

This isn’t just about one company’s potential downfall. The ripple effect of such a collapse would be felt throughout China’s real estate market. Other competitors, already navigating choppy waters, could face “catastrophic effects”, as per the bondholders. They stress the urgency for Evergrande to collaborate with regulators and complete the restructuring. Their stark prediction? Without such a move, Evergrande might be heading for liquidation by October 30, 2023.

For context, Evergrande had already sought Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in August. And if things don’t take a turn for the better, bond investors might only see a bleak return of two to nine cents on the dollar.

But Evergrande’s tale is part of a larger narrative. Other major developers are showing signs of distress. Country Garden, China’s top property developer, managed to narrowly dodge a default, albeit after delaying bond payments. Sunac China Holdings, another real estate giant, is now eyeing a massive $11 billion restructuring of its dollar debt.

So, what’s the broader takeaway for entrepreneurs and investors? Evergrande’s story serves as a sharp reminder of the interconnectedness of global markets. A giant’s stumble in one corner of the world can create tremors elsewhere. As the story unfolds, the hope remains for a resolution that not only steadies Evergrande but also stabilizes the broader Chinese real estate market.