U.S. Homebuilder Outlook Eases While Hovering Near 18-Year High
U.S. Homebuilder Outlook Eases While Hovering Near 18-Year High
(Bloomberg) -- Confidence among U.S. homebuilders slipped to a four-month low in March while remaining above historical averages, indicating developers expect demand to withstand rising mortgage rates, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
Highlights of Homebuilder Sentiment (March) |
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Key Takeaways
Even with the decline, homebuilder confidence remains buoyant after hitting an 18-year high in December. Developers still expect strong demand for new homes as low unemployment and steady economic growth support Americans’ buying power. Optimism rose in three out of four geographic regions. At the same time, rising interest rates pose a headwind, as steeper mortgage payments could deter some prospective buyers.
Official’s View
“Builders’ optimism continues to be fueled by growing consumer demand for housing and confidence in the market,” NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, a custom-home builder from Louisiana, said in a statement. “However, builders are reporting challenges in finding buildable lots, which could limit their ability to meet this demand.”
Other Details
- Gauge of buyer traffic decreased to 51 from 54
- Index in the Midwest fell five points to 65, while indexes for the Northeast, South and West all increased
To contact the reporter on this story: Shelly Hagan in Washington at shagan9@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Brendan Murray at brmurray@bloomberg.net, Randall Woods, Scott Lanman
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