China's real estate sales this year may come in below last year, if the sluggish home transaction volume in the first quarter continues, experts from listed real estate service provider World Union said on Thursday.

"We used to believe that sales in 2014 would stay at the high level of last year, but now we're a bit pessimistic," said Zhu Min, CEO of Shenzhen-based World Union, at a press briefing.

The home transaction volume in some cities was down 50 percent year-on-year in the first three months of 2014, Zhu said. "And the trend may continue."

Meanwhile, Chinese unlisted real estate companies will face huge financial pressure this year, and will have to lower sales prices in their projects to ensure a safe cash flow.

But for World Union, an agency company, a fluctuating market will provide better opportunities to increase market share, Zhu said.

Meanwhile, World Union will extend its services overseas this year, following the Chinese people's urge to buy homes abroad.

"The US, Austria and Canada will be the major countries where we offer our service, through local partners," Zhu said.

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