Home Construction Leaps 17%

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 16, 2009 8:13 AM CDT
Home Construction Leaps 17%
In this photo taken Monday, March 16, 2009, construction workers build a home in Omaha, Neb.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Homebuilders were busy in May, as housing starts took an unexpected 17% leap, Bloomberg reports. Lower prices and tax incentives were enough to bring in the buyers, bumping the annual rate to 532,000 homes, up from 454,000 in April. Building permits were also up more than forecast. “We’re nearing a bottom,” said one economist. “Housing starts will pick up by year-end.” (More housing starts stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X