Figures released by the HDB show that HDB resale prices rose by 10.4% last year, a smaller increase than the 12.7% increase in the previous year.

In terms of transaction volume, 6,597 units changed hands last quarter, down 16.9 per cent year-on-year.

For the whole of last year, there were 27,896 transactions, 10.1 per cent less than the previous year.

Sidney Lee, Head of Research at Hopedale Property Group, said, "Price growth on the HDB side actually slowed down a bit in the fourth quarter, probably because of the cooling measures introduced by the government in the third quarter, so it had some impact on the overall market."

HDB will launch 4,400 pre-purchase HDB flats in Jurong West, Kallang Whampoa, Queenstown and Tengah next month.

Another 3,800 to 4,800 pre-purchased HDB flats in Bedok, Kallang Whampoa, Queenstown, Serangoon and Tengah will also be available for purchase in May.

As many as 23,000 pre-purchase rental flats are planned for this year.