Single-family housing starts in January were at a rate of 613,000, which is 0.8% above the revised December figure of 608,000, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Privately owned housing starts in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 890,000, which is 8.5% below the revised December estimate of 973,000, but is 23.6% above the January 2012 rate of 720,000.
Single-family authorizations in January were at a rate of 584,000; this is 1.9% above the revised December figure of 573,000. Privately owned housing units authorized by building permits in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 925,000. This is 1.8% above the revised December rate of 909,000 and is 35.2% above the January 2012 estimate of 684,000.
Single-family housing completions in January were at a rate of 565,000; this is 7% above the revised December rate of 528,000. Privately owned housing completions in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 724,000. This is 6% above the revised December estimate of 683,000 and is 33.6% above the January 2012 rate of 542,000.