Single family housing permits fall to lowest point in three years

Single-family building permits dropped to a 3.5-year low in September 2026, according to the RealPage Blog. High mortgage rates of 7.4 percent and severe affordability pressures continue to limit homebuilding activity across the country. [1]

The RealPage Blog reported that consumer and builder confidence has weakened significantly. Development remains constrained by elevated financing costs, expensive materials, high labor expenses, and persistent regulatory hurdles. [1]

Demand from home buyers remains constrained by high home prices and ongoing affordability issues. During the post-pandemic period of exceptionally low interest rates, single-family housing starts had previously surged above 1.3 million units on a seasonally adjusted basis. [1]

The RealPage Blog stated that market conditions are unlikely to support an acceleration in single-family residential construction in the near term. [1]