By MATT OTT, AP Business Writer
SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Construction of new homes in the U.S. fell 0.7% in October, but a big jump in the number of permits last month points to anticipation by builders that supply chain problems that have dogged them for much of the year will soon ease.
October’s decline put home construction at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.52 million units, which is an increase of 0.4% from the rate at this time last year, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. September’s number was also revised down to 1.53 million units from 1.56 million units.
But in a positive sign of future activity, applications for building permits jumped 4% from September to 1.65 million and is up 3.4% from October of last year.
Single-family home starts fell 3.9% from September to October and are down more than 10% from last year. Apartment construction has helped offset some of those declines, with starts of buildings with five or more units rising to 470,000 in October, an increase of 6.8% from September’s 440,000. Apartment construction starts are up nearly 40% over this time last year.
Construction activity by region saw modest declines in the Northeast, South and West, while the Midwest came in 5.6% higher in October.
Low interest rates and a desire for more space have lured buyers into the market, but rising costs for materials and a years-long shortage of supply have pushed prices up. Economists and builders say demand remains strong, even as the median price for a new home is about 20% higher than a year ago.
A monthly survey of builder sentiment by the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo showed sentiment improved to 83 in November from a reading of 80 in October, which was also an increase over September’s 76. The index hit a record reading of 90 last November.
The Commerce Department issues its report on new home sales for October later this month. In September, it reported that sales of new homes jumped 14% in September to the fastest pace in six months as strong demand helped offset rising prices.
When asked for a comment, NAED’s Data Analyst, Erin Prinster, added: “There continues to be some population flight from the Northeast and West into the South and Midwest, but the pace has slowed as pandemic concerns have lessened. Our forecast is currently trending within 1% of actual housing starts for both single and multi-family construction. Though demand is high, we are predicting a minimal decline in the housing market next year due to the shortages and high costs. Buyers are willing to pay higher prices now, but we don’t know for how long. If housing prices decline next year as predicted and interest rates increase, then this will affect lower cost homes first. Eventually, demand for higher end homes will also lessen. This might convince builders to cut back on their current investment plans as they anticipate reduced demand over the next year or two.”
The most recent edition of NAED’s Economic & Industry Sector Outlook is now available. Keep up on the latest information about the economy, predictions of what’s to come, and what NAED members say about Q4 revenues by purchasing your copy today.
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