THE sales of pre-owned homes in Shanghai dived over 70 percent last month from its March record.

A total of 18,578 units of previously-occupied homes were sold across the city in April, a month-on-month dive of 72.5 percent, according to a report released yesterday by Shanghai Deovolente Realty Co. But on an annual basis, sales rose 42 percent.

Last month's drop occurred after an extremely robust March when buying of pre-owned houses was boosted to a record after the central government unveiled more tightening measures, Deovolente said.