Property price growth in 35 large mainland cities slowed to an average of 7.2% in the second half of last year, down from 9.7% in the first six months, following the introduction of government measures to cool the property market, the South China Morning Post reported. Average real estate prices across the country rose only 0.6% during the same period. The government announced a set of policies, including credit and tax measures, to curb overheated investment and speculation last March and May amid concerns that speculation in high-end property in Shanghai, Beijing and other large cities was driving prices to unsustainable levels, raising the risk of a property bubble. Zhu Zhixin, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, said the measures had had the desired effect.