Real Estate
February 21, 2025
U.S. Existing Home Sales (January 2025)
Existing home sales fell in January, breaking the 3-month winning streak that developed at the end of last year. This result was not entirely surprising given the elevated mortgage rate environment that persisted at the turn of the year, with rates hovering near 7%.
February 19, 2025
U.S. Housing Starts and Permits (January 2025)
Homebuilding activity retreated to start 2025, partly owing to volatility in the multi-family segment but also likely in part owing to severe weather during the month. Taking a step back, the annual percentage change in single-family starts was down 1.8%, while multi-family starts were up 2.2%.
December 09, 2024
Higher Rates Delay U.S. Housing Recovery, But Some Improvement Expected in 2025
After declining through the spring and summer, 30-year mortgage rates rebounded back near 7% this autumn on the back of rising bond yields. Strong economic data and policy-related uncertainty – notably around the new administration’s use of import tariffs – have been key catalysts behind this rate backup. As such, further upward pressure on rates in the near term can’t be ruled out.
August 28, 2024
U.S. Housing Market – A Path Back to Affordability
The U.S. housing market has undergone significant changes in recent history – going from an unprecedented level of home affordability in the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis, to a current state of unaffordability not experienced within the last 20 years.
