Shanghai's existing housing index continued to climb at a slower pace in May as prices in 60 percent of areas tracked were either flat or fell from a month earlier.

The index, which checks price changes of pre-owned homes, rose 1 point, or 0.03 percent, to 2,957 points last month, extending gains for the 24th straight month, the Shanghai Existing House Index Office said yesterday.

The index added 0.19 percent in April and 0.25 percent in March.

The prices of pre-owned homes in the city rose in 52 of the 130 areas tracked by the office while 36 saw a fall. Prices were flat in the other 42 areas, the office said.