China will push for a unified real estate registration system in all cities and counties by the end of the year, state media said on Sunday, seen as a major step in the fight against corruption. China's plan for a nation-wide property database, once hailed as an antidote to corruption, stalled in the face of resistance from local governments - highlighting the difficulty Beijing faces in driving through reforms to tackle widespread graft.

A unified real estate database is seen not only as vital for authorities to administer the housing market, but could also force corrupt local officials to disclose properties purchased with illicit funds, industry experts say. Officials have said that China needs about three years to fully establish a unified registration system for real estate, and about four years establish a unified registration information management platform.

Copyright Reuters, 2016