On a year-on-year basis, the cost of new homes rose in 69 cities last month, the same as the August figure, while 68 reported higher year-on-year prices for existing homes last month, also the same as the August number.

Growth rates in first-tier cities were significantly higher compared to second- and third-tier cities. New home prices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen rose by an average 1.4 percent month on month while those in 35 third-tier cities rose by 0.6 percent on average, according to the data.

The data covers the country's large and medium-sized cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, provincial capitals and other cities.