As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, one of the most pivotal aspects of the American Dream is homeownership and the homebuilding behind it.
From the first president’s estate, Mount Vernon, to America’s first planned city, Savannah, Georgia, the history of homebuilding is woven into the fabric of the country.
Since first studied by the U.S. Census, the homeownership rate in the U.S. in 1965 was 62.9%. There have been periodic increases and dips, while it currently sits at 65.3 in Q1 2026.
Construction of housing rose to its peak in 2005 with over 2 million housing starts. The National Association of REALTORS estimates the country lacks 4.7 million homes.
The future landscape of housing production is positive, with a landmark housing bill passed by both the House and the Senate.
“NAHB applauds lawmakers for working together in a bipartisan, bicameral effort to pass historic housing legislation that will deliver real benefits for the American people,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help increase the nation’s housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging local governments to reform zoning and land-use policies that have limited home building. By expanding homeownership and rental housing opportunities nationwide, this legislation will help ease the housing affordability crisis.”
People behind the homebuilding industry play a key part in this country’s founding ideals.
A celebration of the country’s 250 years of history includes homebuilding.
