New-home completions rose during the month, however, with the increased inventory representing a rare bright spot in an otherwise gloomy government report. 

The rate of new single-family home sales fell 16.6% from March’s revised number, while the median sales price jumped to $450,600 from March’s revised median house price of $435,000. 

Low inventory and rising interest rates have reduced prospective homebuyer purchasing power. 

Affordability and supply-chain issues continued to weigh on the sales of new single-family residences.

“More groundbreaking is welcome news for a supply starved housing market.” — First American deputy chief economist Odeta Kushi 

“Builders are entering 2022 with backlogs that they are having a hard time completing due to material and labor shortages, and new-home prices are sitting near a historic high.” — First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi

“Production disruptions are so severe that many builders are waiting months to receive cabinets, garage doors, countertops and appliances.” — NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter 

Single-family housing starts fell 5.6% from December’s revised estimate to 1,116,000, while multifamily starts slid 2.1% to 510,000, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said.

Builders started to make headway against supply-chain issues that have hampered construction of homes in the face of high demand. 

While multifamily starts surged 13.7% compared to November, the pace of new single-family housing construction slid 2.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The first phase of the deal comprises 1,424 new single-family homes and townhouses in Tampa, Fla.; Atlanta and Athens, Ga.; and Pinehurst, N.C.

The median sales price of new homes hit a new high of $416,900.

“November’s housing starts report signals strength for the housing market.”  — First American deputy chief economist Odeta Kushi

“While 2021 single-family starts are expected to end the year 24% higher than the pre-Covid 2019 level, we expect higher interest rates in 2022 will put a damper on housing affordability.” — NAHB chief economist Robert Dietz

November’s reading of 83 was up three points from October, driven by low existing inventories and strong buyer demand, the National Association of Home Builders reported, citing the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

Housing observers noted that demand for housing remains robust despite the lack of new supply.