United States housing brief, April 2022

Abstract

April 2022 data softness was widespread, with only the housing under construction and private residential construction spending categories positive on a monthover-month basis. Year-over-year data were better; however, single-family permits were negative again. This marks the third month in 2022 of single-family starts declining, and permits also have decreased for two consecutive months. This suggests further moderation in single-family activity in the upcoming months. Completions continue to be restrained due to the inaccessibility of building materials and products, combined with other factors. Consequently, individual builders may be reluctant to start new projects while waiting to complete units under construction. Looking forward, the effects of inflation may impact the construction industry and this bears watching due to the potential negative influence on housing.

Citation

Alderman, Delton. 2022. United States Housing Brief, April 2022. Research Note FPL-RN-0414. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 6 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/FPL-RN-414