The U.S. housing market is experiencing a significant supply-demand imbalance, with housing starts reaching a one-year high even as existing home inventory remains sluggish and prices face upward pressure. New inflationary pressures from a 15% global tariff and surging energy prices due to the war in Iran are threatening to derail consumer purchasing power and the anticipated 2026 housing recovery. This week, the U.S. housing market has taken center stage with a flurry of data releases and a critical earnings report from homebuilder Lennar. The U.S. Census Bureau’s report on Housing Starts showed new US residential construction improved for the third consecutive month to the fastest pace since February 2025. Housing starts increased 7.2% in January, to an annual pace of 1.49M homes.

Source: New York Times March 12, 2026 22:53 UTC