''At this point, prices have basically levelled off and I don't foresee any changes before autumn,'' said Mr David Faulkner, a partner at Brooke Hillier Parker.

''It is one of the older and larger family-type developments, located in Pokfulam, and is really starting to show its age. On the purchase side, there is always resistance from banks regarding loans for older developments like this one.'' For the market in general, Mr Faulkner said positive results from this week's Sino-British talks could stimulate activity from buyers who have been holding back due to political uncertainties.

''But for those buyers blocked by the 70 per cent mortgage ceiling, improved political relations will have no bearing,'' he said.