The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports their most recent single-family 55+ Housing Market Index (HMI) is up the first quarter of 2014 to 50, the highest Q1 reading since the survey of builders’ confidence began in 2008. It is also the tenth consecutive quarter of year over year improvements, MHProNews has learned. Measuring builder confidence in the market, the survey is based on current sales, prospective buyer traffic and anticipated six month sales for single-family homes and multifamily condominiums. Says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe: “The 55+ segment of the housing market is stronger now than it was a year ago, helped by factors like rising house prices, which has increased owners’ equity and allowed them to buy in a 55+ community. But there are still some headwinds hampering a stronger recovery, as builders in many markets are facing tight credit conditions and a lack of lots and labor.” ##
