Homebuilders

Decreased availability of bank capital for new commercial construction helped slow activity from the previous nine quarters, according to a new report.

The May uptick in nonbank housing-finance payrolls came almost entirely from lender hiring as loan broker numbers plateaued and construction demand persisted.

Construction activity in smaller cities also saw a significant annual decline, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The Mortgage Bankers Association sees the likelihood of a rise in sales activity later this year based on recent construction trends, in a turnaround from the 2022 market.

Fannie Mae researchers found housing costs decelerating for the fourth straight quarter, but limited inventory may be driving hopeful buyers to look for opportunities in the new-construction market.

The CFPB is requesting input on adding specifications that are intended to alleviate TRID compliance concerns on construction-to-permanent single-close loans and those requiring separate construction and home loan closings.

Kindred Home Loans will serve buyers of properties in Dallas and San Antonio markets.

The decline in loan activity and softening prices also helped drive down builder sentiment for the 11th month in a row.

In a week where homebuilding stocks were faced with surging U.S. Treasury yields and data showing weakening demand for homes, one analyst is throwing in the towel on the sector.

Consumer demands for lower density and more affordable prices fueled a larger share of construction outside urban cores, but recent trends have led to slowdowns across the board.

Activity is coming in at or below 2020 levels according to reports from the Mortgage Bankers Association and Redfin.

Despite some moderation in overall supply prices, concrete products are running consistently higher.

New single-family home mortgage applications, housing starts and industry sentiment all came in at their lowest since 2020.

The slowdown in new single-family construction is one of several headwinds homebuilders find themselves facing this summer.

Industry leaders suggested they’ve "never felt so worried at a time when everything feels so good otherwise," said Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Lumber prices have wavered, but gypsum, steel and transportation were still on the rise in the past month, according to a National Association of Home Builders analysis.

December's average balance for a mortgage to purchase a newly constructed property set an all-time high, the Mortgage Bankers Association's Builder Application Survey found.

Applications were up 9% compared to July’s total, while the average price for newly built houses hit a record.

U.S. homebuilder sentiment rose in September amid lower lumber prices and strong housing demand.

Single-family home construction also increased across communities of all sizes, but notably in outlying metro areas.