Housing Affordability
Can Modular Housing Help Address the Housing Affordability Crisis?
Eric Holt, assistant professor at the University of Denver, and his team have been exploring how off-site construction fits into affordable housing. Learn more about their report on the role modular and panelized construction can play.
Navigable Waters Protection Rule a Win for Housing Affordability, Regulatory Certainty
NAHB today told Congress that the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) that went into effect in June will help builders create more affordable housing options for hardworking American families while maintaining environmental protection of our nation’s waterways.
National Economic Council Hears NAHB Concerns on Lumber
In a special webcast for association leaders and now available to members on NAHB efforts to combat rising lumber prices and supply shortages, NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke said that Senior Officers held talks with members of the White House National Economic Council (NEC) on Aug. 28 to discuss the impact that soaring lumber prices are having on the housing industry.
CDC Issues Rental Eviction Moratorium Through Dec. 31
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a nationwide order that will halt millions of U.S. renters from being evicted through Dec. 31, 2020. The CDC said the measure is necessary to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
NAHB State and Local Issues Fund Now Accepting Applications
State and local HBAs are encouraged to apply for financial assistance to support advocacy efforts on issues affecting the affordability of homeownership.
Fannie, Freddie to Delay Mortgage Refinancing 0.5% Surcharge Until Dec. 1
After strong opposition from NAHB and many other housing, consumer advocacy, and banking groups, the FHFA said today that it has ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to delay until Dec. 1, 2020, the implementation of a new 0.5% surcharge on mortgage refinances.
New Home Sales Surge to 13-Year High
In a sign that the housing market continues to lead the economy during the coronavirus outbreak, sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 13.9% in July, climbing to its highest pace since 2006.
Average New Home Price Now $16,000 Higher Due to Lumber
The recent spike in softwood lumber prices has caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by $16,148 since April 17, according to NAHB standard estimates of lumber used to build the average home. Similarly, the market value of the average new multifamily home has increased by $6,107 over the same period due to the surge in lumber prices.
NAHB, Housing, Consumer Advocacy and Banking Groups Oppose Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Action to Raise Refinancing Costs
In a move strongly opposed by NAHB, housing, consumer advocacy and banking groups, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they will charge a 0.5% fee on refinance mortgages they purchase as of Sept. 1.
NAHB Seeks White House Action on Soaring Lumber Prices
NAHB sent a letter to President Trump expressing the housing industry’s growing concern and seeking prompt action regarding soaring lumber prices and supply shortages that are harming the housing sector and the economy.
