U.S. home building unexpectedly declined in July as the construction of single- and multi-family homes declined, which could temper expectations of a rebound in housing market activity in the third quarter.
Figures released Wednesday by the U.S. Commerce Department showed housing starts declined 4.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.16 million units. June's sales pace was revised down to 1.21 million units from the previously reported 1.22 million units.
The report also showed a decline in building permits, suggesting that residential construction could struggle to regain momentum after contracting in the second quarter at its steepest pace since the third quarter of 2010.
Economists had forecast groundbreaking activity to be little changed at a rate of 1.22 million units in July. Home building fell 5.6% on a year-on-year basis during July.
Single-family home building, which accounts for the largest share of the housing market, slipped 0.5 percent to a rate of 856,000 units last month.
Despite strong demand for housing, groundbreaking on single-family housing projects has slowed since racing to near a 9-1/2-year high in February. Home builders continue to complain they cannot find skilled labour, especially framers, and that buildable lots remain in short supply.
