Private home prices reverse downward trend
Government data released on Friday showed private home prices have gone up slightly, after falling for three straight months.  The Rating and Valuation Department's home price index edged up 0.5 percent month on month in April.  Flats measuring under 1,075 square feet were 0.5 percent more expensive compared to March, while prices of homes bigger than 1,075 square feet were up 0.7 percent.  Overall, April home prices were still down nearly 1.8 percent compared to a year ago.  Rents remained unchanged on month after falling for six months but were 0.2 percent higher than a year ago.