Core Viewpoint - The recent meeting of the State Council Financial Committee signals a commitment to stabilize expectations in the real estate market, with financial regulators emphasizing support for affordable rental housing and addressing the financing needs of housing consumers and real estate companies [1][7]. Group 1: Financial Support for Real Estate Companies - Financial institutions are enhancing support for reasonable financing needs of real estate companies, with increased mortgage lending and signs of declining mortgage rates and shortened loan approval times [1][4]. - Shanghai Jinmao and China Railway Construction Real Estate Group have announced the issuance of real estate industry merger-themed bonds, with Shanghai Jinmao's issuance not exceeding 1.5 billion yuan, primarily to alleviate liquidity pressure [2]. - Banks such as Ping An Bank and Industrial Bank have initiated the issuance of real estate merger-themed bonds, with funds mainly allocated for project acquisitions, indicating a broader trend of financial support for real estate mergers and acquisitions [3]. Group 2: Mortgage Lending Trends - Mortgage lending has accelerated, with banks shortening loan approval times and reducing interest rates. The average mortgage rate for first-time homebuyers in 103 key cities fell to 5.34%, marking the largest monthly decline since 2019 [4][5]. - In cities like Suzhou, mortgage rates have dropped to as low as 4.6%, with major banks offering competitive rates [4][5]. - The average loan approval time in March was 34 days, a reduction of 4 days from the previous month, with nearly half of the cities reporting approval times of less than one month [6]. Group 3: Support for Affordable Housing - The State Council Financial Committee has emphasized the need for financial institutions to enhance support for affordable housing and rental housing, with banks like China Merchants Bank and Ping An Bank committing to increase mortgage loan issuance [7]. - Financial institutions are expected to continue to meet the reasonable financing needs of real estate companies and consumers, with a focus on supporting quality projects and affordable housing developments [7].