NAHB Now's Latest Posts
Coronavirus Likely to Add Momentum to Increased Home Building in Smaller Markets
The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hasten a housing trend already taking place across the nation – residential construction activity that is expanding at a more rapid rate in lower density markets such as smaller cities and rural areas. Multifamily development is also proceeding at a brisk pace in areas where education and health services dominate. These are among the findings of the latest quarterly NAHB Home Building Geography Index (HBGI).
Housing Stands Poised to Lead a Recovery
With one major exception, this week’s housing data showed some signs of stabilization after an effective two-month pause for major portions of the U.S. economy. While most indicators are down year-over-year, there are hints of a rebound in the data, provided businesses can continue to reopen as the virus slows its growth.
HBI Continues to Support Online Learning Initiatives
To support online learning during this time, HBI is offering a promotion to the first 25 organizations that sign or renew a Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training (PACT) license. In addition, HBI’s free online learning tool, CTEtechWorks, has been extended to June 30.
In a Positive Sign, New Home Sales Hold Steady in April
In a sign that the housing market is stabilizing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 0.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 623,000 units in April, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Housing Data Hint at Potential for Economic Recovery
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz looks at the economic data that came out during the week of May 18 and examines how that is effecting the housing market. Despite the weak numbers, Dietz states that the notable resiliency of housing demand amid historic job losses is an indicator of the potential of the housing sector to help the lead the economy in an eventual rebound.
Pandemic Concerns Weaken Multifamily Builder and Developer Confidence
Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing weakened significantly in the first quarter of 2020, according to results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB.
Broad Declines for Home Construction in April
Reflecting the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, total housing starts decreased 30.2% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 891,000 units, according to a report from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Commerce Department. This is the lowest starts rate since the first quarter of 2015. Meanwhile, the pace of total permits declined 20.8% to 1.07 million on an annualized basis.
Builder Confidence Posts Solid Gain Following Last Month’s Historic Drop
In a signal that the housing market is showing signs of stabilizing and gradually moving forward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes increased seven points to 37 in May, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. The rise in builder sentiment follows the largest single monthly decline in the history of the index in April.
New Podcast: Political Analyst Charlie Cook Weighs in on Presidential Election
On the latest episode of Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jerry Howard and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin welcome a special guest, political analyst Charlie Cook. This episode dives into the inner workings of the upcoming 2020 presidential election, and Cook shares his insights and forecasts for races across the board.
Housing Affordability Down Due to Economic Losses Stemming from COVID-19 Pandemic
Surging job losses in March stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a decline in U.S. median income and housing affordability in the first quarter of 2020, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released today.
