The surge in urban housing prices may end soon, as the latest industry data show weaker sales and price rises, according to specialists.

In March, of the 70 largest mainland cities, 10 reported that prices were flat month-on-month in the new-home market, four saw prices drop, while 56 saw prices continue to gain, compared with 57 in February, the National Bureau of Statistics reported on Friday.

In the pre-owned market, the number of cities where home prices dropped or remained unchanged month-on-month rose to 28 in March, up from 24 in February.