U.S. housing starts grew 2.6 percent in April compared to the month before, hitting a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 717,000 units, according to data released today by the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The data also shows a 29.9 percent increase above the April 2011 rate. [more]

U.S. housing starts swooned in March, thanks to a decline in multi-family construction, according to data the U.S. Commerce Department released today. New construction last month was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 654,000, 5.8 percent less than February, but 10.3 percent greater than a year ago in March. Multi-family housing starts plummeted 19.8 percent between February and March, while single-family new construction slipped just 0.2 percent over that time. [more]

The National Association of Home Builders’ National Market Index slipped for the first time in seven months, according to April numbers released today, indicating that builder confidence in new construction single-family homes nationwide has receded to January 2012 levels. In April, the housing market index fell 3 points to 25, from 28, after two months of gains. [more]

Based on last months’ new homes sales data, the housing recovery is still on shaky ground. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, sales of new single-family homes fell 1.6 percent between January and February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 313,000. That is 11.4 percent above February 2011′s figure, but the lowest recorded since October. [more]

The National Association of Home Builders’ National Market Index was unchanged month-over-month according to March numbers, indicating that builder confidence in new construction single-family homes nationwide is holding at the highest level observed since June of 2007, according to data released today by the NAHB.

In March, the housing market index held at 28, same as February’s revised score. The index measures buyers’ expectations for the market in the next six months. [more]

An expected national trend toward smaller homes to avoid spending has not come to fruition despite the economic downturn, the Urban Land Institute reported. And according to recent figures released by the National Association of Home Builders, it’s not likely to happen any time soon. [more]

Following a slight uptick in July, builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes remained unchanged in August, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index, released today. In a survey of builder perceptions for home sales expectations over the next six months, where any number greater than 50 means more builders view conditions as good than poor, the index remained at 15. It has stood between 13 and 17 in each month since June 2010.

Continued competition from foreclosed homes on the market, inaccurate appraisals, tight credit and an especially uncertain economic climate contributed to another month of dismal confidence, Bob Nielsen, chairman of NAHB, said.
– Adam Fusfeld [more]

Slumping prices of existing houses and rising material costs pushed the confidence of builders constructing new single-family homes nationwide down to its lowest level since September 2010, according to the National Association of Home Builders. In a report released today, the organization found that the confidence level was 13, where any number greater than 50 indicates more builders view conditions positively. The report also measured 2-point drops in its gauge of current sales conditions (13) and traffic of prospective buyers (12). The numbers are derived from a survey that asks builders to rate the single-family home sales market, and their expectations over the next six months. The northeast was the only region to post gains in its confidence score, as it rose 2 points to 17. TRD

Confidence in the housing market amongst builders fell in April, according to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo. Builders’ confidence had risen 1 point in March after four straight months of holding steady, but last month returned to its original, lower level, the NAHB said today. Builders of new, single-family homes are seeing a slow start to the spring home buying season, the trade organization said: there’s more traffic, but buyers are still wary of the strength of the recovery. TRD [more]

Most homebuyers who claimed the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for buying their first home in 2008 are required to start repaying the credit in 15 annual installments, beginning with their 2010 tax returns, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. The credit — which was offered for qualified home purchases in 2008, 2009 and 2010 — has different repayment rules depending on when the home was purchased and as tax season approaches, this may cause confusion. “It is important that homebuyers consult a qualified tax professional to make sure they are receiving all the tax benefits as well as fulfilling the obligations of their home purchase,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the NAHB and a home builder from Reno, Nev. TRD [more]