BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s April home price increases were slightly lower than March gains. A private survey on Sunday showed that local government policy-easing measures have yet to substantially revive purchasing sentiment.

The new prices of homes in 100 cities increased by 0.2% compared to a month prior, which is down from the gain of 0.03% in March according to China Index Academy survey data. It’s one the most important independent real-estate research and consulting firms in China.

Over 80 cities are taking steps to improve demand after China’s crackdown against high-leverage in the sector in 2021.

This year’s COVID-19 epidemics have led to an increase in anxiety and depression, particularly in Shanghai. The city has been locked down for a month, trying to stop local transmissions.

Subsidies, lower down payments and reductions in interest rates are some of the measures that encourage buyers. There is also an option to relax rules regarding home purchase.

The state-backed Securities Daily reports that some banks in Zhangjiakou are cutting minimum down payments. They can be found 180km (110 miles) north of Beijing.

Over 23 banks liberalized the limit on allowable housing funds in April for some homebuyers.

According to data from China Index Academy, 44 cities reported increases in home prices for April, as compared to 37 in March.

Capital Economics, a research firm, stated in a last week note that “Policy is becoming more supportive of housing demand” and suggested home sales could rebound after the virus situation stabilizes.