SHANGHAI'S pre-owned housing index rose for the 13th consecutive month in June, albeit at a slower pace.

The index, which monitors price variations of previously occupied homes, gained 36 points, or 1.31 percent, from May to 2,777 last month, the Shanghai Existing House Index Office said yesterday. The index climbed 1.72 percent, 1.5 percent and 1.48 percent, respectively, between March and May.

"Buying momentum continued to pick up around the city last month with new supply remaining inadequate," said Chen Zhen, an analyst at the office. "Individual owners either maintained or further raised their asking prices amid an upbeat outlook."

The prices of existing homes rose in 80 of the 130 areas in the city tracked by the office by an average 2.8 percent in June from May. They fell in 31 areas by an average 1.88 percent and were flat in 19 areas.