CHENGDU, Dec. 22 (NBD) -- China saw a surge in individual home loans this year, and is expected to roll out tightening measures next year. 

According to the Central Economic Work Conference closed last Thursday, the country aims to boost the steady and healthy development of the housing market through macro and micro measures. At the micro-level, credit policies will be released to support owner-occupied house purchases and to prevent investment-oriented home loans. 

The conference stressed the nature of real estate, that is, guaranteeing people's livelihood, says Zong Liang, chief researcher of Bank of China. Thus, China will take measures to control individual home loans within a reasonable range and crack down on speculative actions and investments. 

Wang Xiaoguang, a researcher with the decision-making and consultation division of the Chinese Academy of Governance, predicts that the country will announce a series of preferential policies for owner-occupied house purchases of individuals, covering loan rates and tax credits. As for those with two apartments or more, it will increase the down payment ratio and loan rates. Moreover, a long-acting mechanism for the real estate industry will be established, with property tax expected to be included.