While multifamily starts surged 13.7% compared to November, the pace of new single-family housing construction slid 2.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

December housing sales fell lower than they have since the start of the pandemic, a new Redfin report found.

“While lean existing home inventory and solid buyer demand are supporting the need for new construction, the combination of ongoing increases for building materials, worsening skilled labor shortages and higher mortgage rates point to declines for housing affordability in 2022.” — NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke

“MBA expects solid growth in purchase activity this year, as demographic drivers and the strong economy support housing demand,. However, the strength in growth will be dependent on housing inventory growing more rapidly to meet demand.” — Mortgage Bankers Association associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting Joel Kan

Despite the record low number of homes for sale, prices and pending sales continue to rise.

Housing prices continue to exacerbate ongoing affordability challenges, as home appreciation continued to accelerate in November.

Downtown Miami’s residential real estate market is making a full recovery as area neighborhoods continue to see rapid development, according to a report from the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA).

At the same time, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.33%, its highest level since April 2021, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Inflation concerns are influencing plans for homebuyers and sellers, according to a recent Redfin survey.

The Federal Reserve’s plan to raise rates and end its bond-buying program will accelerate demand for housing in the short-term, eventually putting downward pressure on median home prices, according to a press release from the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI). 

Housing affordability fell to its lowest level since 2008 in October as home prices rose 19.6%.

Nationally, housing prices were also on the rise, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index. 

Florida ranked No. 2 in the country for most residents gained between July 2020 and July 2021, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.

“There was less pending home sales action this time around, which I would ascribe to low housing supply, but also to buyers being hesitant about home prices,” National Association of REALTORS® chief economist Lawrence Yun said.

“Fewer homes are selling because of a lack of supply, while demand remains strong.” — Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather

Since the initial stay-at-home orders were sparked by COVID-19, home improvement and remodeling projects have become increasingly popular. On average, homeowners spend $2,995 per project, according to a report.