Homebuilder Sentiment in U.S. Declines to an Eight-Month Low
Homebuilders are getting worried about material prices, specifically lumber.
(Bloomberg) -- Sentiment among American homebuilders deteriorated to an eight-month low in July on concerns about higher material costs, according to data Tuesday from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
Highlights of Homebuilder Sentiment (July) |
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Key Takeaways
Builders are faced with a tough choice when dealing with higher materials costs such as lumber -- either raise prices on homes or absorb the added expense. While they see demand remaining strong, an acceleration in prices on new homes risks putting some properties out of reach. Stable sales and construction mean housing will probably do little to add to economic growth.
Economist Views
“Our members are telling us they are growing increasingly concerned over rising material prices, particularly lumber,” NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald, a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas, said in a statement. “This is hurting housing affordability even as consumer interest in the new-home market remains strong.”
“Builders will need to manage some increasing supply-side costs to keep home prices competitive,” Robert Dietz, chief economist at NAHB, said in the statement.
Other Details
- Readings greater than 50 indicate more respondents reported good market conditions
- Gauge of prospective-buyer traffic fell to 48, lowest since February, from 49
- Confidence decreased in two of four regions, led by a 5-point drop in the South to the lowest in a year
To contact the reporter on this story: Michelle Jamrisko in Washington at mjamrisko@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Scott Lanman at slanman@bloomberg.net, Vince Golle, Randall Woods