Housing Starts and Building Permits
What Is a Housing Start?
A housing start marks the beginning of construction on a new residential building. A single-family housing start means excavation has begun for the home’s footings or foundation. For multifamily housing starts, all units are counted as started once ground is broken, regardless of the number of units.
Housing starts are estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau, which collects the data through its monthly Survey of Construction. The survey relies on responses from a sample of permit holders across the country. According to the survey:
- Nearly half of all single-family homes begin construction in the same month the permit is issued, and more than 90% start within two months.
- For multifamily housing, about one-third of projects begin in the same month as permit authorization, and roughly 80% start within two months.
Housing Starts Data
The NAHB Economics Group consolidates the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau into a monthly snapshot of single-family and multifamily housing starts nationwide and by region.
Building Permits Data
The NAHB Economics Group also prepares a monthly report of single-family and multifamily building permits nationwide and by region.
View the Latest Permits Report
Housing Starts Forecasts by State and Region
Understanding industry trends and opportunities is key for housing professionals and policymakers. The NAHB Economics Group produces detailed housing forecasts and economic outlooks that can help inform the decision-making process at the local, state and national levels. These insightful reports are available exclusively to subscribers of Housing Economics PLUS.
State-Level Housing Starts Forecasts
These forecasts include downloadable Excel tables illustrating future single-family and multifamily housing starts—broken down by state and region.
Executive-Level Forecast
For those seeking a broader economic view, NAHB’s Executive-Level Forecast offers monthly updates on U.S. housing activity, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth. It features quarterly and annual projections, as well as historical data for all key indicators.
