Housing prices in 100 Chinese cities rose less in September than in August, indicating government attempts to dampen the market have taken effect, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a survey released Monday by research agency China Real Estate Index System. The data comes amid recent evidence of market strength. The average cost of housing in September was US$1,384 per square meter, a 0.17% increase from August. Prices rose by 0.24% between July and June. Compared to last year, the average cost of housing fell for the fourth month in a row, down 1.4% from US$1411.78 in September 2011. Prices were up in 60 cities last month, down in 38 and unchanged in two, compared to August. Beijing has initiated numerous strategies over the last two years to control what many have called an overheating market.