Podcast: Cautious Optimism for the Next Six Months
On the latest episode of NAHB’s Housing Developments podcast, co-hosts CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez record from New York City where they’re discussing the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) numbers with members of the media. Tune in this week to hear what’s going on with builder confidence, interest rate concerns that are dampening optimism, NAHB testimony on regulatory burden on home building and how NAHB is pushing back on House efforts to eliminate Job Corps.
Listen below or on your favorite podcast app. And be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.Latest from NAHBNow
Trends
Jul 15, 2026
One-Story Homes Becoming More Popular in New BuildsOver half of new single-family homes built in 2025 were two or more stories. But the share of homes started with two or more stories fell in 2025, reflecting increased building activity in regions that prefer single-story homes.
Business Management
Jul 14, 2026
Get Big Summer Discounts on NAHB BuilderBooks' Top TitlesLooking for the best residential construction books to read in 2026? NAHB BuilderBooks titles offer practical insights you can put to work immediately.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jul 15, 2026
Building Material Prices Continue to Rise Despite Energy Price DeclinesResidential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.5% in June and were up 4.6% from a year ago. Lower energy prices were apparent in June, as energy input prices fell 10.3% over the month. Meanwhile, prices for services rose 5.2% over the year, and were up 1.0% from the previous month.
Economics
Jul 15, 2026
Single-Family Permitting Continued to Weaken Through MayState-level permitting activity continued to reflect a divided housing market through the first five months of 2026. Elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability challenges continued to weigh on single-family construction across much of the country, while multifamily permitting remained comparatively stronger, supported by gains in several regions despite continued weakness in parts of the South.
Economics
Jul 14, 2026
Inflation Cooled in June as Gas Prices EasedInflation slowed to 3.5% in June from a three-year high last month, driven by a mid-June ceasefire agreement that stabilized oil markets and lowered energy prices.