Production of new single-family homes slowed in August 2009 as the expiration date for an important buyer incentive drew nearer, according to figures recently released by the U.S. Commerce Department.
While overall housing starts rose 1.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 598,000 units for the month, single-family starts declined 3% to a rate of 479,000 units, ending what had been a five-month run of improvements.
“With the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit set to expire at the end of November, the window is now basically closed for being able to start a new home that can be completed in time for purchasers to take advantage of that,” said Joe Robson, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).