Full coverage: 2016 Central Economic Work Conference

China's top leaders laid out plans during the Central Economic Work Conference to prevent the real estate market from overheating. 

The meeting focused on financial measures that include limiting credits towards housing speculation, and raising land supplies. It also concentrated on developing small and medium cities to ease the over-crowdedness in major cities.

In addition, the leaders considered legislation that supports the home rental market, and encourages the development of rental companies and agencies.

Top officials said optimizing the structures of cities is the key going forward.

"We should address the source of big bubbles and high levels of inventory. To do this we should adjust and optimize city structures. Cities should channel people away from highly concentrated areas, and develop surrounding small cities," said Yang Weimin, vice director, Central Financial Leading Group.