China to build 6 million units of affordable housing

China has announced its affordable housing program for 2013. The government plans to start constructing 6 million units and 4.6 million units more will be completed in 2013.

Jiang Weixin, the minister of housing and urban-rural development released the plan at a national conference on Tuesday. He also reiterated the government's commitment to continue property curbs to prevent speculation.

A pick up in real estate construction activity is expected in 2013 as urbanization was set as a top policy agenda earlier this month. China's real estate developers have seen their share prices rally over anticipation of rising housing demand.