Builders started to make headway against supply-chain issues that have hampered construction of homes in the face of high demand. 

While multifamily starts surged 13.7% compared to November, the pace of new single-family housing construction slid 2.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The median sales price of new homes hit a new high of $416,900.

“November’s housing starts report signals strength for the housing market.”  — First American deputy chief economist Odeta Kushi

November’s reading of 83 was up three points from October, driven by low existing inventories and strong buyer demand, the National Association of Home Builders reported, citing the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

Housing observers noted that demand for housing remains robust despite the lack of new supply.

“There simply aren’t enough homes for sale relative to the demand fueled by millennials armed with low mortgage rate-driven house-buying power.” — First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi

The decrease was driven by a 5.1% month-over-month slide in the rate of multifamily starts, while single-family construction was flat.