Builder Sentiment Remains Subdued

Builder sentiment slipped again in June as elevated mortgage rates, higher material costs and ongoing affordability pressures continued to weigh on the housing market. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) fell two points to 35 , marking the 14th straight month the index has remained below 40. The latest reading underscores how far confidence remains from more durable levels. A streak that long below 40 has not been seen since 2011-2012 , when the market was still dealing with the fallout from the foreclosure crisis. All three major components of the index were either lower or unchanged. Current sales conditions slipped two points to 38 , while sales expectations over the next six months held steady at 45 . Traffic of prospective buyers remained unchanged at 25 , suggesting demand is still soft despite the start of the summer selling season. “With the nation short about 1.2 million homes, builder sentiment will remain soft until barriers are eased and conditions improve for home building,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. He said Congress could help by advancing the major housing package now before the Senate, along with legislation aimed at easing labor shortages and protecting access to natural gas in new homes. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said regulatory and policy costs continue to make it harder for builders to add supply. He pointed to a new NAHB study showing that government regulation, taxes, fees and other costs add more than 26% to the price of an average single-family home, arguing that easing permitting delays, density limits and zoning restrictions would help reduce costs.