Office-to-apartment conversions have more than quadrupled in the past four years, according to a new study, which revealed that the reconstruction of office buildings into living spaces is expected to hit a new record in 2024.
Read More »International Markets Boast Less Space, Affordability for Starter Homes
How many years' worth of income do homebuyers across the globe need to afford a starter home? A new article revealed the amount required and in which countries beginning homes are affordable to buy—and where they're not.
Read More »Builder Sentiment Surges, But Challenges Lie Ahead
According to the National Association of Home Builders, single-family starts are expected to grow in 2024, and while builder sentiment improved, "builders will face growing challenges with building material cost and availability, as well as lot supply," according to NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey.
Read More »Which Cities Does Gen Z Have the Best Chance at Homeownership?
As housing affordability remains a concern for many Americans, a new Point2 study revealed the biggest U.S. cities where it's easiest for Gen Zers to become homeowners—and locations where it's nearly impossible.
Read More »New Home Purchase Mortgage Apps Post YoY Gain
According to Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist, “Mortgage applications for new homes showed a 22% annual gain in December—the 11th consecutive year-over-year increase in applications.”
Read More »High Interest Rates Hindering Homebuyer Mobility
While the combination of high home prices and interest rates continues to price many potential buyers out of the market, homebuyer mobility has stalled as a result as well. Riordan Frost, Senior Research Analyst for the Joint Center for Housing Studies, reveals the latest predictions surrounding homeowner mobility and what it would take to recover.
Read More »Mortgage App Volume Rises to Six-Week High
Homebuyers nationwide are finding some relief entering the Thanksgiving holiday, as mortgage rates have fallen to levels last reported in late-September, garnering interest from buyers and driving up overall app volume to levels not seen in over a month.
Read More »23-Year-High Mortgage Rates Further Suppress App Volume
With the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage edging closer to eclipsing the 8% mark, the MBA reports overall application volume falling from last week’s total, dipping to the slowest weekly pace reported since 1995.
Read More »August New Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Up Nearly 21%
Purchase demand remained strong in August for newly constructed homes, increasing 20.6% compared to a year ago, according to the MBA Builder Application Survey, while the average loan size for new homes increased to $398,092.
Read More »Mortgage Applications Reach Lowest Level in Nearly Three Decades
“Mortgage applications decreased for the seventh time in eight weeks, reaching the lowest level since 1996,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist. “Last week’s decline was driven by a 5% drop in refinance applications, to the weakest reading since January 2023.”
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