Single-Family Construction Activity Starts 2026 on a Low Note

Residential construction activity started 2026 on a weak note. According to an analysis of U.S. Census data by real estate marketing platform Zillow, building permits issued in January fell to 1.37 million, 5.4% below the December 2025 rate and 5.8% below the January 2025 rate.

For the single-family market, permits fell even further. Single-family permits dropped to a rate of 873,000 in January, which is 11.6% lower than the previous year.

Overall housing starts improved, but the single-family market still reported declines

On a positive note, housing starts increased to 1.48 million in January, which is up by 7.2% from the revised December estimate and 9.5% higher than in January 2025. Still, the single-family market saw starts fall to 935,000 in January, which is approximately 2.8% lower than the December estimate and 6.5% lower than in January 2025.