An expected impact of the virus crisis is a need for more space, as people use their homes for more purposes. And while this measure has not increased significantly yet, new home size did level off in 2020 after years of decline. According to fourth quarter 2020 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and… Read More ›
The number of single-family homes built-for-rent (SFBFR) construction starts posted a year-over-year increase for the fourth quarter of 2020. The SFBFR market is a way to add single-family inventory amid concerns over housing affordability and downpayment requirements in the for-sale market, particularly during a period when people want more space and a single-family structure. Single-family built-for-rent construction does differ with… Read More ›
While home buyers were benefitting from low mortgage rates at the end of 2020, builders and developers were also experiencing lower interest rates and improved credit conditions, according to NAHB’s survey on financing for Acquisition, Development and Construction (AD&C). The net tightening index derived from the NAHB survey was -17.0 in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to -3.3 in… Read More ›
Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final WaterSense® Labeled Homes Program, Version 2, following a pilot period in which more than 275 homes were certified. The WaterSense 2.0 label for homes — a voluntary, above-code certification for both water savings and performance — provides builders with third-party validation for their clients and helps consumers save water, energy and money.
