China will likely further relax housing policies in first- and second-tier cities as the property market bottomed at end-Q2 after a brief rebound in Q1, said Chen Wenjing, head of market research at China Index Academy. Room for optimising the scope of home-purchase restrictions exists, as well as a reduction in transaction taxes and fees. Weakened income expectations, a strong outlook for lower home prices, and concern on unfinished off-plan housing impedes the recovery. Market outlook in H2 depends on the restoration of confidence and the intensity of policy support, according to the 21st Century Business Herald. (Source: 21st Century Business Herald)