Today’s News
Top Story
-
Fed holds benchmark rate
On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00%. In a 10-2 vote, the Federal…
by
On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00%. In a 10-2 vote, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained a restrictive policy stance.
Inflation remains elevated above the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed signaled it will wait for additional economic data before making further rate adjustments, like the September decision to raise rates for the first time in three years.
“For housing, today’s hold on monetary policy avoids another increase in the policy rate that influences builder acquisition, development and construction lending costs,” said Robert Dietz, PhD, NAHB Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy. However, financing conditions remain restrictive for projects already facing high development and construction expenses.
-
New home sales hold steady in September
According to the New Residential Construction Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales…
by
According to the New Residential Construction Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales of new single-family houses hold strong at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 in September 2026.
This is a minor 0.6% decline from a bright August report and a 5.3% year-over-year dip. The median sales price recorded at $400,400, up 3.9% month-to-month, yet is down 3.9% compared to the year before.
Total for-sale inventory slowed to 476,000 units, bringing supply down to an 8.4-month pace.
“Affordability remains a significant hurdle for prospective home buyers,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “Builders continue to offer incentives and adjust pricing to attract buyers, but elevated mortgage rates and high home prices are limiting the number of households that can afford to purchase a home.”
Overall, resilient buyers, particularly in price tiers under $400,000, made up over half of all sales. This signals continuing opportunities for homebuilders operating targeted incentives, which, according to NAHB, 65% of homebuilders offer.
-
Tri Pointe Homes Blends Wellness and Elegance
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond…
by
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design
Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond the surface-level functions.
“The home allowed us to explore whole-home wellness comprehensively through everything from architecture and landscape to natural light, circulation, air quality and smart-home integration,” said Linda Mamet, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Tri Pointe Homes. “We wanted to create a design-forward benchmark that shows how all of those elements can work together to support emotional, physical and social wellbeing.”
Pavilions at Holladay Hills, the first iteration of the LivingWell concept unveiled to the public in March 2026. Planning for the new offering began in 2024. Tri Pointe Homes looked closely at how to evolve for the next generation of wellness-focused residential design.
Building off of the company’s longstanding LivingSmart program, which focuses on responsible building practices, LivingWell expands to how a home feels and supports daily life.
Inside LivingWell
Pavilions at Holladay Hills is a limited collection of six estate homes, ranging from 6,811 to 9,800 square feet. It is located in one of Utah’s most desirable markets, offering connection to the Wasatch Mountain Range. The project was designed in collaboration with some of the industry’s finest: Bassenian Lagoni Architects, Bobby Berk and PKJ Design Group.
“LivingWell depended on collaboration because whole-home wellness cannot be delivered by any one discipline,” said Mamet.
At 7,772 finished square feet, the concept home is organized around a private interior courtyard, enhancing the contemporary English manor’s natural light, privacy, circulation and indoor-outdoor connection. The project includes six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a four-car garage and an attached carriage house.
The interiors, led by Berk, take on a Cotswolds Rustic style, characterized by his use of natural materials, layered textures and warm finishes.
Beyond the home’s aesthetic, it includes high-performance building systems like upgraded insulation, engineered ducting and duct sealing, high-efficiency HVAC, an HRV system, MERV 13 filtration and low-VOC materials.
“The value comes from treating everything as an integrated whole rather than viewing performance and wellbeing as separate priorities,” said Mamet.
Designed for Daily Life
“What stands out most to me are the features that truly support everyday routines and different stages of life,” said Mamet.
Mamet noted that the dedicated pet station and dog wash recognize that pets are an important part of many households. Similarly, multigenerational living is an important feature for many buyers. The carriage house provides that flexibility.
The home design is cohesive, with maroon tile and marble elements echoed in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen itself is a standout. Design-wise, the elegant range grounds the room, while the cabinetry, built-in appliances and hardware selection offer depth and warmth. The two oversized islands provide ample space for prep and entertainment. The layout also allows for seamless connection through the cooking, living and dining areas.
The primary bathroom feels like a tranquil escape. The dual sinks are separated by a charming soaking tub, complemented by the waterfall shower and dedicated vanity.
The initiative behind LivingWell is to curate a space not just stunning in model pictures, but one that has the ability to evolve. There are opportunities to transform spaces based on lifestyle, such as offices, an in-home gym, music rooms and more.
Even the finished basement uses light wells to bring daylight and planted views into the lower level.
The landscape design offers opportunity for further connection with an orchard, raised garden beds and edible and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Validating the Vision
The concept home was presented at the 80th Salt Lake Parade of Homes and received the Judges’ Choice Award for Best Interior. Mamet elaborated that the recognition was a validation of the thought and collaboration behind the project and a meaningful milestone to mark its public debut.
As for the future of LivingWell, the Tri Pointe team sees this venture as an opportunity to explore how wellness can be integrated more holistically.
“We view the LivingWell concept home as a benchmark rather than a one-off showcase,” said Mamet.
Future editions may not have the same features; the adaptability is key to how the LivingWell concept would influence Tri Pointe’s national portfolio over time.
“It’s an approach that can inform how future homes and communities are designed, while still responding to the character of any given market and the needs of different homebuyers,” said Mamet.
Cover Image is courtesy of Ikon Media for Tri Pointe Homes. All other images are courtesy of Kara Mercer.
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is featured in our October issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
-
Premium buyers drive PulteGroup’s Q3 earnings
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched…
by
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched homebuyer affordability.
The builder is concentrating on the higher-margin move-up and active-adult buyer segments, helping cushion margins against entry-level affordability headwinds. PulteGroup President and CEO, Ryan Marshall, reflected that the company’s balance of price and pace of home sales is critical in the current environment.
PulteGroup reported 6,876 home closings, down 9% year-over-year, with an average selling price of $561,000, declining 1% year-over-year.
The company’s community count increased 7% year-over-year, totaling 1,077 active communities.
“With homebuying demand increasingly pressured by rising mortgage rates, widespread inflation and global unrest, we continue to benefit from our diversified operating platform and consistent strategies for delivering superior returns over the housing cycle,” said Marshall. “With more than 60% of our business now comprised of more profitable move-up and active-adult homebuyers, our strong gross margins were instrumental to driving third quarter earnings of $2.53 per share.”
-
Dream Finders Homes seals $2.2 billion Beazer Homes deal
Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed…
by
Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed on the $2.2 billion deal.
This marks the ninth acquisition for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Dream Finders since 2021. The company is now expected to be the sixth-largest homebuilder in the nation.
“Today, Beazer’s teams officially join ours, and the real work begins. We are closing this transaction in a challenging housing environment and we are clear-eyed about that,” said Patrick Zalupski, Founder, CEO, and Co-Chairman of Dream Finders.
It remains unclear if Dream Finders will continue the energy-efficient legacy left by Beazer. They have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Dream Finders affirmed that this deal will provide leverage in the current market; it also expanded its homebuilding presence into four new states.
“This combination is built to perform throughout the housing market cycle,” said Rick Beckwitt, Co-Chairman of Dream Finders. “We continue to expect over $100 million of annual run-rate cost synergies and double-digit percentage EPS accretion in year one, while expanding our financial services platform and preserving the asset-light model that underpins our returns.”
-
AIA updates how architecture billings track construction spending
The American Institute of Architects has published a white paper, “Clarifying the Construction Outlook by Integrating Architecture Billings with Broader Economic Indicators,” examining the performance of the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index. Amid economic uncertainty, the paper looks at how architecture firms and the broader architecture, engineering and construction industry use the index and related indicators to assess current market conditions and forecast building activity.
The analysis updates the relationship between the index and construction spending. AIA finds a slightly weaker correlation but a longer lead time, which it attributes to extended project schedules driven by supply chain challenges, cost inflation, interest rate volatility and economic uncertainty.
AIA launched the Architecture Billings Index in 2005 as a leading indicator of construction activity. Because design work comes before construction, the broader building industry relies on the data for planning, and architecture firms are often the earliest comprehensive source of information on proposed projects. A 2014 update, “Designing the Construction Future,” added design contracts as a leading indicator of future billings and adjusted the relationship between design activity and construction spending to reflect the Global Financial Crisis.
Several events have affected the timing and strength of that relationship since, AIA says. They include the slow recovery of the nonresidential building sector after the Global Financial Crisis, pandemic disruptions, and recent economic and political uncertainty that has complicated development and construction planning. The paper also notes the industry’s reliance on a range of indicators, including construction spending and starts, building material costs, real estate trends and AIA’s Consensus Construction Forecast.
-
New appraisal reporting system aims to capture energy-efficient home features
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac introduced a new appraisal reporting standard on Nov. 2 that the National Association of Home Builders says advances its long-running effort to make appraisals reflect new construction more fully. NAHB calls the Uniform Appraisal Dataset 3.6 one of the biggest changes to residential appraisal reporting in more than a decade, with implications for builders, lenders and home builders associations nationwide.
An appraisal estimates a home’s market value and plays a key role in securing a mortgage. The old system relied on fixed forms, which often left extra details in written comments. The new report adapts to each property and presents information more consistently, NAHB says, giving appraisers and lenders a clearer picture of the home. It does not guarantee a higher value.
NAHB points to three possible benefits for builders and buyers. The system captures details that were previously missed or reported inconsistently, including energy-efficient and green features. Standardized information should make it easier to compare new homes with similar properties. And clearer information could mean fewer requests for revisions or explanations, reducing corrections and delays.
NAHB says it has worked for years with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other stakeholders on new-home appraisal reporting. Its longstanding calls include expanding appraisal data standards to cover new construction, energy efficiency and green building; improving the quality and availability of new-construction data; and strengthening appraiser education and experience requirements so appraisals properly account for lot values, building costs and newer construction methods. NAHB says it will keep working with the two companies, appraiser organizations and federal agencies.
Read Full Article
-
NAHB sees opening for housing action after midterms
The 2026 midterm elections reshaped Congress, but the National Association of Home Builders sees housing as one of the issues most likely to retain bipartisan attention. NAHB says affordability, housing supply, permitting, workforce development and the cost of building materials remain central concerns for lawmakers and voters alike.
For builders, the important takeaway is less about party control than policy momentum. NAHB expects continued debate over permitting reform, housing finance, tariffs, immigration and regulatory barriers that affect the cost and pace of new construction. With housing affordability still elevated on the national agenda, the association is positioning the industry to press for measures that make it easier to add supply and improve attainable homeownership.
The practical question for builders is whether election-year attention on housing can be converted into policy that lowers barriers to construction and expands supply. For Builder & Developer readers, the larger story is what this development says about where builders are finding momentum and how they are positioning for the next phase of the housing cycle. The industry benefits when growth is tied to tangible investment in communities, product, people and processes rather than short-term promotional activity.
-
New NAHB research reveals which stages of home construction take the longest
Building the average single-family detached home takes 25.3 weeks, or about 5.8 months, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The figure comes from the October 2026 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index survey, which asked builders how long each of seven major construction stages takes. It covers the steps a builder typically takes after buying a finished lot for a single-family detached home built for sale.
Interior finishes take the longest, at an average of 6.4 weeks. That stage includes drywall, interior doors, painting, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures and flooring. Framing and major systems rough-ins, meaning HVAC and plumbing and electrical work other than fixtures, each take 3.7 weeks. Final steps such as landscaping, outdoor structures and clean-up require 3.6 weeks, while exterior finishes, including siding, roofing, windows and doors, take 3.4 weeks. Site work and foundations are the shortest stages, at a little over two weeks.
NAHB’s total is close to the Census Bureau’s average of 6.1 months. Census estimates show custom homes take significantly longer, NAHB notes, and times vary with geography and the characteristics of the home and builder. NAHB says the Census estimate rests on a considerably larger and more stratified sample and is the better source for total construction time. NAHB’s advantage is the stage-by-stage breakdown, which it says may help builders educate customers, decide when to buy materials, schedule inspections or manage subcontractors.
-
One-third of new U.S. single-family homes receive HERS ratings
About one-third of new single-family homes built in the U.S. in 2025 were rated for energy efficiency, according to the Residential Energy Services Network’s 2026 Trends in HERS Rated Homes Report. RESNET says 34% of those homes received a score on its HERS Index, which works like a miles-per-gallon rating for houses: the lower the number, the less energy a home uses. A score of 100 represents a home built to 2006 standard practices, and a score of zero means a home produces as much energy as it consumes over a year.
HERS Raters scored more than 420,000 homes in 2025, and the average HERS Index was 53, a two-point improvement from 2024. RESNET says that average is 47% more efficient than a 2006 home, and it has dropped 11 points since 2013. Sixty-eight percent of the homes rated were one- and two-family dwellings, and 32% were multifamily units.
The report covers national, state and local trends. It tracks rating activity, average scores, home characteristics, building components, equipment efficiencies, air leakage and solar use. State-level data shows total ratings and the share of new homes rated in each state, and the city-level analysis lists the top 25 markets for single-family and multifamily ratings.
RESNET’s HERSH2O whole-house water efficiency program also had a record year, with more than 7,500 homes rated in 2025, a 25% increase over 2024. The national average HERSH2O score was 62, and a score of 70 or lower is required to qualify for the WaterSense Labeled Homes program.
-
Architecture firms generate $121.7 billion as AI adoption accelerates
U.S. architecture is a $121.7 billion business. That’s how much firms generated in gross billings in 2025, according to “The Business of Architecture 2026,” a new report from the American Institute of Architects. New construction accounted for 54% of firm revenue, and the findings draw on data from nearly 900 firms.
Artificial intelligence has become part of the daily routine at most of them. AIA reports that 74% of firms use AI in day-to-day operations, with adoption reaching firms of all sizes. More firms are also developing formal AI strategies and workflows.
The report puts numbers on how firms are performing, too. Firms averaged $152,000 in net billings per employee in 2025. Billings and profitability grew, though financial performance varied significantly by firm size. The mix of work is changing as well, with shifts across institutional, commercial, residential and data center projects.
Beyond the balance sheet, the report documents gains in workforce diversity, with increases in both architecture staff and firm leaders who are women or members of racially and ethnically diverse groups. Firms are weaving resilience, climate adaptation and sustainability measures more deeply into project delivery. They are also paying closer attention to business continuity and succession planning, including ownership transition plans and written business plans.
-
New appraisal reporting system aims to capture energy-efficient home features
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac introduced a new appraisal reporting standard on Nov. 2 that the National Association of Home Builders says advances its long-running effort to make appraisals reflect new construction more fully. NAHB calls the Uniform Appraisal Dataset 3.6 one of the biggest changes to residential appraisal reporting in more than a decade, with implications for builders, lenders and home builders associations nationwide.
An appraisal estimates a home’s market value and plays a key role in securing a mortgage. The old system relied on fixed forms, which often left extra details in written comments. The new report adapts to each property and presents information more consistently, NAHB says, giving appraisers and lenders a clearer picture of the home. It does not guarantee a higher value.
NAHB points to three possible benefits for builders and buyers. The system captures details that were previously missed or reported inconsistently, including energy-efficient and green features. Standardized information should make it easier to compare new homes with similar properties. And clearer information could mean fewer requests for revisions or explanations, reducing corrections and delays.
NAHB says it has worked for years with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other stakeholders on new-home appraisal reporting. Its longstanding calls include expanding appraisal data standards to cover new construction, energy efficiency and green building; improving the quality and availability of new-construction data; and strengthening appraiser education and experience requirements so appraisals properly account for lot values, building costs and newer construction methods. NAHB says it will keep working with the two companies, appraiser organizations and federal agencies.
Read Full Article
-
One-third of new U.S. single-family homes receive HERS ratings
About one-third of new single-family homes built in the U.S. in 2025 were rated for energy efficiency, according to the Residential Energy Services Network’s 2026 Trends in HERS Rated Homes Report. RESNET says 34% of those homes received a score on its HERS Index, which works like a miles-per-gallon rating for houses: the lower the number, the less energy a home uses. A score of 100 represents a home built to 2006 standard practices, and a score of zero means a home produces as much energy as it consumes over a year.
HERS Raters scored more than 420,000 homes in 2025, and the average HERS Index was 53, a two-point improvement from 2024. RESNET says that average is 47% more efficient than a 2006 home, and it has dropped 11 points since 2013. Sixty-eight percent of the homes rated were one- and two-family dwellings, and 32% were multifamily units.
The report covers national, state and local trends. It tracks rating activity, average scores, home characteristics, building components, equipment efficiencies, air leakage and solar use. State-level data shows total ratings and the share of new homes rated in each state, and the city-level analysis lists the top 25 markets for single-family and multifamily ratings.
RESNET’s HERSH2O whole-house water efficiency program also had a record year, with more than 7,500 homes rated in 2025, a 25% increase over 2024. The national average HERSH2O score was 62, and a score of 70 or lower is required to qualify for the WaterSense Labeled Homes program.
-
Kitchen design shifts toward defined spaces and greater functionality
Fully open floor plans are losing ground to kitchens with defined zones, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The survey of 830 designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects and other industry professionals in the U.S. and Canada identifies ten top kitchen design trends, including emerging, enduring and fading styles. It also covers product categories from islands and cabinetry to countertops and appliances.
Expanded pantries, cabinetry and back kitchens are helping create more organized spaces, NKBA says. Flexible transitions between open and enclosed areas let kitchens adapt as household needs change.
Attached mudrooms top the list of functional features professionals expect to be most popular over the next three years, at 94%. Flexible spaces for home offices and kids’ study areas follow at 49%, and secure areas to leave deliveries at 37%. Among lifestyle features, 90% cited dedicated beverage areas, and pet feeding stations (64%) and eat-in kitchens (63%) were also among the most cited.
As more homeowners choose to renovate rather than move, NKBA says, lasting quality is taking priority over short-lived trends. Bill Darcy, NKBA’s global president and CEO, said homeowners are reimagining what their kitchens can do to make everyday life easier, healthier and more enjoyable.
-
Kitchen design shifts toward defined spaces and greater functionality
Fully open floor plans are losing ground to kitchens with defined zones, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The survey of 830 designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects and other industry professionals in the U.S. and Canada identifies ten top kitchen design trends, including emerging, enduring and fading styles. It also covers product categories from islands and cabinetry to countertops and appliances.
Expanded pantries, cabinetry and back kitchens are helping create more organized spaces, NKBA says. Flexible transitions between open and enclosed areas let kitchens adapt as household needs change.
Attached mudrooms top the list of functional features professionals expect to be most popular over the next three years, at 94%. Flexible spaces for home offices and kids’ study areas follow at 49%, and secure areas to leave deliveries at 37%. Among lifestyle features, 90% cited dedicated beverage areas, and pet feeding stations (64%) and eat-in kitchens (63%) were also among the most cited.
As more homeowners choose to renovate rather than move, NKBA says, lasting quality is taking priority over short-lived trends. Bill Darcy, NKBA’s global president and CEO, said homeowners are reimagining what their kitchens can do to make everyday life easier, healthier and more enjoyable.
-
NKBA sees wellness and resilience reshaping kitchen design
Wellness, sustainability and resilience are emerging as key priorities in residential kitchen design, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The findings point to growing interest in features that support healthier indoor environments, improved safety and greater household efficiency. Ventilation systems, water filtration, leak detection, automatic shutoff valves, backup power and air filtration are increasingly influencing kitchen planning alongside traditional considerations such as cabinetry, appliances and finishes.
The report reflects a broader shift in homeowner expectations, with kitchens evolving beyond spaces for cooking and entertaining into environments that support everyday wellness and long-term functionality. As consumers place greater emphasis on indoor air quality, water quality and home resilience, builders and designers have opportunities to incorporate these features into new construction and renovation projects. Integrated technologies and thoughtful design solutions are also helping connect kitchen performance with overall home comfort and efficiency.
For the residential construction industry, these trends highlight the growing importance of balancing aesthetics with practical performance. As kitchen design continues to evolve, builders, architects and product manufacturers are increasingly challenged to deliver spaces that meet changing lifestyle preferences while supporting durability, safety and long-term value. The findings suggest that wellness-focused features and resilient building solutions will play an increasingly important role in shaping kitchen specifications and residential design decisions in the years ahead.
-
These 7 colors will define 2027 bedroom interiors
As 2027 draws closer, interior design trends are evolving, especially in color schemes. Homeowners are already gravitating towards interiors that evoke warmth and tranquility. Interior designers are expecting this trend to become extremely prominent in bedrooms, spaces where homeowners seek to refresh and unwind at the beginning and end of their day.
Creamy whites and beiges are continuing to remain dominant next year, according to Co-owner and Principal Designer at Tran + Thomas Design Studio Jill Tran.
“I feel we will forever be using creams as they remove the fear of committing to color, and for a lot of people, that speaks to their hearts,” said Tran.
Interiors, especially luxury ones, are going darker in 2027 with chocolate browns and blue-gray tones.
Earthy greens, beige and taupes, as well as clay, terracotta and muted reds inspire wellness and feel soothing; these are the feelings homeowners are expected to chase next year.
These rising trends in bedroom design are in line with our 2027 Colors of the Year forecast.
Exclusive Feature
-
Tri Pointe Homes Blends Wellness and Elegance
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond…
by
-
Lennar eyes new mall-to-mixed-use redevelopment in Florida
Lennar, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, is planning to purchase the Boynton Beach Mall. The mall is currently scheduled to close in early 2027 and sits on 91 acres in Boynton Beach, Fla.
The builder intends to transform the space with townhomes and mixed-use opportunities.
“Although planning is in the early stages and we look forward to stakeholder feedback, our vision is to take advantage of this unique opportunity with a mix of single-family attached housing opportunities, complemented by retail, commercial, open space and civic uses that will create a walkable, connected environment,” said Danielle Tocco, Vice President of Communications at Lennar, in a statement.
The market in South Florida is green for new developments, with Boynton Beach a particularly strong market according to Realtor.com. Homes in the area sell in a median of 76 days and at a median price of $348,000.
-
San Francisco mansion sells for $28.5 million, breaking records
A mansion in San Francisco sold for $28.5 million, $10 million above the home’s $18.5 million asking price, on Oct. 22, 2026. With eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the luxury residence was on the market for 20 days.
The Cherry Street home is not the first big purchase we’ve seen from San Francisco’s luxury housing market: A home at 2 Sixth Ave. sold for $15 million, with a listing price of $8 million. In May, a home in Cow Hollow at 2512 Union St. sold for $15 million after listing for $7.95 million.
We’ve followed the city’s luxury boom all year, which was largely attributed to the AI sector in San Francisco.
-
New home sales hold steady in September
According to the New Residential Construction Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales of new single-family houses hold strong at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 in September 2026.
This is a minor 0.6% decline from a bright August report and a 5.3% year-over-year dip. The median sales price recorded at $400,400, up 3.9% month-to-month, yet is down 3.9% compared to the year before.
Total for-sale inventory slowed to 476,000 units, bringing supply down to an 8.4-month pace.
“Affordability remains a significant hurdle for prospective home buyers,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “Builders continue to offer incentives and adjust pricing to attract buyers, but elevated mortgage rates and high home prices are limiting the number of households that can afford to purchase a home.”
Overall, resilient buyers, particularly in price tiers under $400,000, made up over half of all sales. This signals continuing opportunities for homebuilders operating targeted incentives, which, according to NAHB, 65% of homebuilders offer.
Latest Issue
Nov. 2026
-
This issue of Builder and Developer is our Fine Homes Edition.
Exclusive Feature
-
The Architecture of Quiet
Designing Inner Peace for calm on a difficult hillside site The hills of Tustin do not compromise. They rise in dry, sun-baked…
by
-
Mortgage rates ease to 7.32%
According to Freddie Mac’s recent Primary Mortgage Market Survey released on Oct. 22, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.32%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined this week, offering some relief to prospective homebuyers,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
The current FRM is down from last week’s average of 7.40%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.19%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.68%, down from the previous week when it averaged 6.71%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.44%.
-
These 7 colors will define 2027 bedroom interiors
As 2027 draws closer, interior design trends are evolving, especially in color schemes. Homeowners are already gravitating towards interiors that evoke warmth and tranquility. Interior designers are expecting this trend to become extremely prominent in bedrooms, spaces where homeowners seek to refresh and unwind at the beginning and end of their day.
Creamy whites and beiges are continuing to remain dominant next year, according to Co-owner and Principal Designer at Tran + Thomas Design Studio Jill Tran.
“I feel we will forever be using creams as they remove the fear of committing to color, and for a lot of people, that speaks to their hearts,” said Tran.
Interiors, especially luxury ones, are going darker in 2027 with chocolate browns and blue-gray tones.
Earthy greens, beige and taupes, as well as clay, terracotta and muted reds inspire wellness and feel soothing; these are the feelings homeowners are expected to chase next year.
These rising trends in bedroom design are in line with our 2027 Colors of the Year forecast.
-
Premium buyers drive PulteGroup’s Q3 earnings
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched homebuyer affordability.
The builder is concentrating on the higher-margin move-up and active-adult buyer segments, helping cushion margins against entry-level affordability headwinds. PulteGroup President and CEO, Ryan Marshall, reflected that the company’s balance of price and pace of home sales is critical in the current environment.
PulteGroup reported 6,876 home closings, down 9% year-over-year, with an average selling price of $561,000, declining 1% year-over-year.
The company’s community count increased 7% year-over-year, totaling 1,077 active communities.
“With homebuying demand increasingly pressured by rising mortgage rates, widespread inflation and global unrest, we continue to benefit from our diversified operating platform and consistent strategies for delivering superior returns over the housing cycle,” said Marshall. “With more than 60% of our business now comprised of more profitable move-up and active-adult homebuyers, our strong gross margins were instrumental to driving third quarter earnings of $2.53 per share.”
-
Why are U.S. homes getting smaller?
The average-sized household continues to shrink despite an increase in adults sharing a home, more so than in previous decades. This new trend is causing an increased demand for smaller homes, as U.S. homebuyers prioritize practicality.
There are multiple reasons for this paradox: The number of adult children living with their parents is rising; divorce rates have decreased, so more married couples are living together. Additionally, the number of children per household is lessening and the number of seniors is increasing, with many of them living alone.
According to John Burns Researching and Consulting, since 2010, the average household has shrunk from 2.54 to 2.42 people. As the average-sized household continues to shrink, the need for smaller homes in the U.S. market is rising.
-
Dream Finders Homes seals $2.2 billion Beazer Homes deal
Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed on the $2.2 billion deal.
This marks the ninth acquisition for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Dream Finders since 2021. The company is now expected to be the sixth-largest homebuilder in the nation.
“Today, Beazer’s teams officially join ours, and the real work begins. We are closing this transaction in a challenging housing environment and we are clear-eyed about that,” said Patrick Zalupski, Founder, CEO, and Co-Chairman of Dream Finders.
It remains unclear if Dream Finders will continue the energy-efficient legacy left by Beazer. They have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Dream Finders affirmed that this deal will provide leverage in the current market; it also expanded its homebuilding presence into four new states.
“This combination is built to perform throughout the housing market cycle,” said Rick Beckwitt, Co-Chairman of Dream Finders. “We continue to expect over $100 million of annual run-rate cost synergies and double-digit percentage EPS accretion in year one, while expanding our financial services platform and preserving the asset-light model that underpins our returns.”
-
Builder confidence cools to 29 in October
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) fell three points to 29 in October.
This repeats the three-point drop reported in September. Builder confidence sits at its lowest since 2012.
Buyer traffic also took a hit, despite 43% of builders cutting prices and 65% of builders offering sales incentives.
Regionally, the brightest spot is the Midwest, with permits up 2.9% and a HMI of 40. The Northeast and South both fell one point to 38 and 30. The West remains the slowest market, declining to 26.
“Housing remains squeezed by supply-side constraints and significant affordability challenges,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Mortgage rates have climbed well above 7% in recent weeks. Though builders are also contending with higher costs for construction loans, building materials and diesel, the administration’s efforts to advance regulatory reform are helping to ease some of the cost pressures they face.”
Reflecting these policy shifts, the U.S. Department of Commerce is cutting duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports, while efforts are underway to suspend tariffs on all building materials through the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act.
-
U.S. home sales see modest gains in September
According to Redfin’s Home Price Index, on a seasonally adjusted basis, U.S. home prices increased 0.25% month over month in September. Although home sale prices rose slightly from 0.21% the previous month, home sale growth is in line with the modest gains seen in the U.S. housing market.
According to the report, home prices rose in 34 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros month over month in September, with home prices rising most in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, home prices rose 1.9% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Home prices fell in 16 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, with the biggest price declines happening in Fort Worth, Texas.
-
Mortgage rates hold steady
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is holding steady, averaging 7.40%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained unchanged this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
As of Oct. 15, 2026, the FRM held steady at 7.40%, up from last year’s average of 6.27%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.71%, down from the previous week’s average of 6.73%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.52%.
-
September AIA ABI drops to 44.7
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for September. The ABI score dropped to 44.7 from 47.2 in August.
There is a slight silver lining in the continued decline: inquiries for new projects increased to 53.2. AIA reported a steady pipeline of future work, with backlogs stable.
Multifamily residential and institutional firms appear to take the largest hit against the current market conditions.
“This is an increasingly difficult environment for architecture firms,” said AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch. “Weakening billings are being compounded by a soft economy, challenging project financing and growing caution among clients. With fewer projects moving forward, there is little reason to expect a meaningful improvement in business conditions in the near term.”
Sorry, but nothing was found. Please try a search with different keywords.
Exclusive Feature
-
A More Balanced Market is Here
The housing market finally feels more normal. Buyers have more choices, bidding wars have become less common and builders are once again…
by