'We're in a holding pattern': home sales and building slump in the face of uncertainty
Briefly

Economic uncertainty is severely impacting the housing market, leading to sluggish home sales, which were at their slowest for April in 16 years. Builder sentiment has also dropped, indicating a lack of confidence in the market's recovery. High home prices, nearly 50% above pre-pandemic levels, coupled with increased mortgage rates, have made homeownership unattainable for many. Despite a strong desire from potential buyers, uncertainty remains, compounded by rising construction costs and regulatory factors. March data showed a decline in construction for single-family homes, complicating the supply outlook further.
Economic uncertainty has produced a double whammy for the housing market: sluggish home sales and plodding construction.
Home prices are up nearly 50% since before the pandemic, and mortgage interest rates ticked up to 6.86% last week.
Pent-up housing demand continues to grow, though not realized...Any meaningful decline in mortgage rates will help release this demand.
Construction of single-family homes dropped in April, according to figures from the Census Bureau.
Read at www.npr.org
[
|
]