China's banking regulatory body has urged commercial banks to take measures to curb the increasing level of lending in the real estate sector.

China needs to significantly increase down payments for mortgages on expensive homes and investment properties as part of measures to rein in bank lending, according to Liu Mingkang, chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC).

"Commercial banks need to keep a close watch on borrowers' repayment ability and their credit status." Liu made the statement at a meeting on Wednesday with China's major commercial banks. The statement was posted on the commission's website yesterday.

"Banks should greatly promote loans for first-time home owners, but stop granting mortgages for anyone other than the home owner.

An executive meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao vowed to take necessary measures to improve the property market and curb rapid price rises in major cities.