Blog

Housing market shows signs of stabilizing

New and existing housing activity experienced healthy year-over-year growth in July, yet the pace of growth has slowed in recent months, indicating that the market is stabilizing. This time last year, housing activity showed the first signs of growth following the initial shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. While housing activity has continued its upward trajectory... Read More

Housing market growth decelerates, indicating potential slowdown

Housing activity grew across all major indicators in June. However, the rate of growth has slowed from the prior month. Single-family housing authorizations increased 20.95% year over year, but decreased month over month for a third consecutive month, down 2.99%. Existing housing activity also increased year over year but growth decelerated from May, potentially driven... Read More

Remodeling rises in major metros as homebuyer sentiment drops

In May, single-family housing authorizations grew 25.88% year over year. However, housing starts have lagged permit volumes, which has slowed growing the housing stock. Prolonged inventory shortages and sky-high home prices have pushed homebuyer sentiment to record lows. Meanwhile, remodeling activity grew across most major metros, with Philadelphia and Chicago experiencing the most substantial growth... Read More

Housing market rallies as materials shortages intensify

The housing market strongly grew across almost all major indicators in April, with maintenance and remodeling activity skyrocketing relative to steep declines in activity experienced this time last year. Both new and existing housing activity have increased for nine consecutive months, which has helped create the dwindling buildings materials supply that may dampen future market... Read More

Housing hot streak continues one year into pandemic

One year since the novel coronavirus was declared a national pandemic, upward trends across new and existing housing activity reinforce that the U.S. housing market is beyond recovering to its pre-pandemic pace. This month’s BuildFax Housing Health Report explores housing trends over the past year to understand how the pandemic has affected housing activity during... Read More

Exterior home renovations climb amid the pandemic

Nearly a year following the COVID-19 pandemic, housing activity continues to experience notable growth. Exterior home renovations are, in part, what’s driving increases in maintenance and remodeling, including secondary structures, solar panels, decking, and pools. As Americans continue to spend significantly more time at home, homeowners have turned to improving or expanding their livable space... Read More

Housing activity enters new year on strong footing

January marked the sixth month of year-over-year increases in new and existing housing supply, entering the new year on strong footing. However, even with increasing new construction, the United States is still in the midst of a severe housing shortage—driving homeowners to invest in their existing properties rather than to re-enter the competitive housing market.... Read More

2020 ends on a high note for housing activity

Housing activity was a bright spot for the economy in 2020, ending the year with increases across almost all major indicators in December. However, indicators suggest that there is still pent-up demand for inventory, which is expected to see some improvement in 2021 due in part to increased new construction and sellers growing more comfortable... Read More

Maintenance spend soars due to strong remodeler demand

Housing activity experienced blanket growth across key indicators for the second time this year. Maintenance spend skyrocketed in November likely driven, in part, by rising building material costs and strong demand from remodelers. Home improvement projects have increased amid the pandemic as Americans have been forced to spend more time at home. New construction activity... Read More

Housing activity growth continues but may slow

Housing activity showed continued growth in October. Single-family housing authorizations increased, though the pace of growth slowed from September. Activity may slow in the coming months as the recent announcement of a COVID-19 vaccine has resulted in conflicting signals within housing stocks. For the latest insights on U.S. housing activity, download the full report. The... Read More