The index, compiled by real estate consultancy company WorldUnion Properties, stood at 56.8 in the first three months of 2013, down 0.2 percentage points than the previous quarter.

Despite the government's latest rigorous measures to cool down the market, more than 70 percent of buyers are forecasting a further price hike, with the proportion reaching a record high since this round of policy tightening.

Reflect on home prices

Property prices rise in March

Most Chinese cities see higher home prices

Experts seek targeted property market policies

The art of realty control