US Homebuilder Confidence Falls 2 Points to 34, a 2026 Low as Costs Stay High
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 16
US Homebuilder Confidence Falls 2 Points to 34, a 2026 Low as Costs Stay High
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 16
Summary
The NAHB/Wells Fargo index of US homebuilder sentiment fell 2 points in July to 34, the weakest reading of 2026 and below economists’ 35 estimate.
Elevated borrowing costs and higher material and land prices drove the second straight monthly decline, underscoring pressure on builders’ margins and buyer affordability.
The weak sentiment reading adds to broader housing-market softness after pending home sales dropped 5.4% in June, with mortgage rates near 6.6% and prices still high.
Builder confidence has now stayed below 40 for 15 months, signaling a prolonged slump rather than a brief pullback in residential construction demand.