The Chinese government has tightened the rules for financing the purchase of homes by banning realtors from providing funding for people unable to afford a down payment.  

The rule was issued jointly by seven ministries, including China’s top economic planner and the central bank. Officials say providing financial aid for down payments adds more burdens to homeowners because the loans often involve high-interest, short term financing.

The government says the aid would make mortgages more difficult to pay off and even cause systemic risks.