The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that privately‐owned housing starts in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 1,416,000. This is -5.1% below the revised July estimate of 1,492,000, but is 2.8% above the August 2019 rate.
News in end use
New Home Mortgage Applications Up Year-Over-Year in August
The Mortgage Bankers Association Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for August reveals that mortgage applications, year-over-year increased 33.3%.
Canadian Home Sales and Prices Up in August
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is reporting that Canadian homes sale set another new all-time record high in August rising 6.2% above July 2020.
Mortgage Applications Drop in Week Ending September, 11th 2020
According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Application Survey, for the week ending September 11th, 2020, the Market Composite Index decreased -2.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.
Builders Confidence Hits All-Time Record High in September
The latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) indicates that builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes increased 5-points to a reading of 83 in September.
U.S. Census Bureau Reports Year-Over-Year Single-Family Permits Issued up 5.8%
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, total single-family permits issued for the first seven months of 2020, nationwide totaled 525,623.
Home Building Geography Index Reports Multifamily Construction is Also Shifting to Suburbs/Exurbs
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) is reporting a significant shift in multifamily construction to the suburbs/exurbs in Q2 of 2020.
Weyerhaeuser Company Announces Immediate Donation to Red Cross for Wildfire Relief
Weyerhaeuser Company announced on Monday (9/14) that the company is making an immediate donation of $ 150,000 to the Red Cross to support emergency response efforts in communities affected by wildfire in the Pacific Northwest and particularly in Oregon.
Canada’s Industrial Products Price Index Increases for Fourth Consecutive Month in August
Statistics Canada reported on Friday (9/11) that Canada’s Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) edge up 0.1% on month-over-month basis in August.
Canadian Mortgage Debt Reaches Three Year High in May
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation is reporting that in May, Canadian mortgage debt rose 6% year-over-year, the fastest annual rate since July 2017.