Mainland banks have been slow to implement new home lending guidelines issued by the State Council, leaving homebuyers confused about the relief measures that were to have been introduced on 1 January.

The Cabinet last month announced several new guidelines on mortgage loans aimed at stimulating demand, including the extension of preferential loan conditions enjoyed by first-time buyers to those buying second flats - as long as the size of their first home was below the average size of apartments in the area.

South China Morning Post