Browsing: News

The residential remodeling market experienced significant growth in 2021, driven by the pandemic’s impact on housing and lifestyle decisions. According to data from the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA), expenditures on home improvements soared by 13% to $328 billion in 2021, up from $289 billion in 2020. This marked the largest increase since 1993,...

The price growth of key building materials has moderated significantly in 2023, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report. The PPI for goods inputs to residential construction, excluding energy, rose by just 0.2% in July, marking a substantial slowdown compared to previous years. This is the lowest monthly increase observed since prior to...

Mortgage credit availability has dropped to its lowest point in a decade, signaling tighter lending standards in the housing market. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), its monthly index measuring credit availability fell in July to the lowest level since 2013, reflecting a significant contraction in the availability of home loans. Tightening Lending Standards...

Lending conditions in the U.S. banking system are becoming increasingly stringent, with banks indicating that they will continue to tighten standards in the second half of 2023. According to the Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey, the tightening of credit availability has already started, and demand for loans has been declining as well. Tightening...

The growing levels of new home construction and sales are improving expectations for housing availability, according to the latest Housing Trends Report for the second quarter of 2023. As a result, many prospective homebuyers are increasingly optimistic that finding a home will become easier in the coming months. Improved Expectations for Housing Availability The report...

A surge in U.S. rental home construction could ease rent prices in the months ahead, providing a much-needed relief as the Federal Reserve continues its efforts to control inflation. However, tightening credit conditions are starting to slow down the apartment building boom. Apartment Construction Slows Amid Rate Hikes In June, groundbreaking on multifamily homes with...

Mortgage rates in the U.K. have surged to their highest level in 15 years, deepening concerns for homeowners already struggling with rising borrowing costs. According to data from Moneyfacts, the average rate on a two-year fixed mortgage deal now stands at 6.66%, a modest increase from the previous day. This is the highest level since...

The U.S. homeownership rate remained steady at 65.7% in the second quarter of 2023, unchanged from the previous quarter. This stability suggests that despite ongoing challenges such as rising mortgage rates and home prices, many Americans are still determined to pursue homeownership. However, affordability remains a significant concern, with limited housing inventory and increasing costs...

In June 2023, mortgage rates remained largely unchanged, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage staying just below 7%. This marked June as the least volatile month in over a year, reflecting indecision in the bond market amid continued economic uncertainties. The relative stability in rates offered a bit of relief to prospective homebuyers and refinancers,...

In June 2023, homebuyers were confronted with significant affordability challenges as mortgage rates remained elevated and home prices continued to climb. The median home price reached $396,900, marking the 19th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases. This sustained rise in prices, combined with higher borrowing costs, has placed substantial strain on prospective buyers. The “Lock-In...