In a sign that housing stands poised to lead a post-pandemic economic recovery, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes jumped 21 points to 58 in June, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Any reading above 50 indicates a positive market.
"As the nation reopens, housing is well-positioned to lead the economy forward," says Dean Mon, NAHB chairman. "Inventory is tight, mortgage applications are increasing, interest rates are low and confidence is rising. And buyer traffic more than doubled in one month even as builders report growing online and phone inquiries stemming from the outbreak."
"Housing clearly shows signs of momentum as challenges and opportunities exist in the single-family market," says Robert Dietz, NAHB chief economist. "Builders report increasing demand for families seeking single-family homes in inner and outer suburbs that feature lower density neighborhoods. At the same time, elevated unemployment and the risk of new, local virus outbreaks remain a risk to the housing market."
All the HMI indices posted gains in June. The HMI index gauging current sales conditions jumped 21 points to 63, the component measuring sales expectations in the next six months surged 22 points to 68 and the measure charting traffic of prospective buyers vaulted 22 points to 43.
