New home prices across 100 cities in China rose nearly 0.3 percent in April from the previous month while that of second-hand homes fell for the 24 month in a row, according to China Index Academy.

The average price of newly built residential flats in 100 cities last month stood at 16,355 yuan (HK$17,673) per square meter, a month-on-month rise of 0.27 percent and a year-on-year increase of 1.08 percent, driven by the launch of some premium projects in certain cities, according to the Chinese real estate research firm.

Among them, 41 cities recorded monthly price hikes, 34 recorded decreases and 25 remained flat.

In the secondary market, the average price in 100 cities came in at 14,975 yuan per square meter, a month-on-month decrease of 0.75 percent, also marking a year-on-year drop of 5.38 percent.

While prices of second-hand homes continued their downward trend, the number of transactions in cities such as Shenzhen and Chengdu saw a monthly growth.

Separately, the data showed that the average rent in 50 cities nationwide dropped by 0.32 percent to 36.4 per square meter from a month earlier, representing a year-on-year decline of 1.14 percent.

The data came as Beijing is set to let families buy one more home in non-core areas at a time the nation's largest cities are buckling under the pressure of a record real estate downturn.

Households that reach current homeownership limits will be allowed to purchase another unit outside the fifth ring, according to the city's housing commission.

The relaxation followed Beijing reducing down payment ratios and easing the threshold for some types of housing to qualify for lower mortgages in September.

Since then, the city government has carried out marginal easing, including relaxing buying curbs in suburban Tongzhou district and scrapping a rule banning divorced couples from buying new homes in the capital if they owned more units than allowed.

The Chinese government has stepped up its rhetoric for real estate support. In early March, the housing minister said the country faces a "severe task" to stabilize the home market and weeks later, Premier Li Qiang called for "systematic planning of relevant supportive policies" for property to stimulate demand.

Prices of new flats rose by 0.3 percent. Reuters

China's new home prices edge up but secondary market struggles