Sharp-eyed netizens have noticed that Shenzhen's list of candidates for low-income apartments includes some people who drive expensive cars and live in high-end neighborhoods.

The nearly 5,300 households on the list show family assets below the benchmark of 320,000 yuan ($48,300).

However, the housing authority has said some of the data, including out-of-town securities, financial earnings as well as vehicle values, are not yet available.

"We published the list at the end of the year with a view to showcase the progress we had made over the issue, but it turned out to be improper," said Hu Jianwen, spokesman of the housing authority.

He said the bureau has evidence of cheating involving more than 20 households, which will face punishment.

Regulations state that fraudulent applicants can be deprived of the right to apply for three years.

But some fear the punishment is not enough to stop people from forging information in a bid to buy the houses for profit.