How Will the Economy Impact Housing for the Rest of 2024?
Limited inventory, higher construction costs and elevated interest rates continue to frustrate prospective home buyers. The new quarterly NAHB/Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index recently underscored the burden that housing costs represent for middle- and low-income families. And builders are feeling the crunch, too, as noted in the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
So what can the housing industry expect for the remainder of the year?
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz and Senior Economist Fan-Yu Kuo will provide an analysis and outlook of key macro issues affecting the economy and the housing industry in an upcoming webinar with Pro Builder magazine on June 26 at 2 p.m. ET.
The webinar will provide attendees with a better understanding of what macroeconomic factors are driving the housing industry in 2024, which key housing policies are affecting their business the most, and how they can prepare their business for what’s to come.
Topics will include:
- Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and current inflation and interest rate readings,
- Immigration,
- Existing home inventory, and
- Other factors affecting the home building industry.
The presentation will also include a live question-and-answer session for attendees.
Latest from NAHBNow
Feb 12, 2026
Low-Rise Multifamily Shows Strength at End of 2025; Other Segments WeakConfidence in the market for new multifamily housing decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 45, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 74, down seven points year-over-year.
Feb 11, 2026
5 Reasons Home Builders Are the Unsung Heroes of the American DreamBehind the homes people cherish are builders quietly carrying more responsibility — and having more impact — than most Americans realize. Here’s why their work matters far beyond the jobsite.
Latest Economic News
Feb 12, 2026
Existing Home Sales Retreat Amid Low InventoryExisting home sales fell in January to a more than two-year low after December’s strong rebound, as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter storms weighed on activity. Despite mortgage rates trending lower and wage growth outpacing price gains, limited resale supply kept many buyers on the sidelines.
Feb 12, 2026
Residential Building Worker Wages Slow in 2025 Amid Cooling Housing ActivityWage growth for residential building workers moderated notably in 2025, reflecting a broader cooling in housing activity and construction labor demand. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both nominal and real wages remained modest during the fourth quarter, signaling a shift from the rapid post-pandemic expansion to a slower-growth phase.
Feb 12, 2026
Low-Rise Multifamily Shows Strength at End of 2025; Other Segments WeakEven though garden/low-rise continues to be strong, overall confidence in the market for new multifamily housing decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).