
Housing starts
Housing starts refer to the number of new residential construction projects that have begun during a specific period, usually a month or a year. This measure indicates the health of the housing market and overall economic activity. When housing starts increase, it suggests growing demand for homes and can signal economic optimism. Conversely, a decline may reflect a slowdown or uncertainty in the real estate market. Data on housing starts help policymakers, builders, and investors assess market trends, plan future developments, and make informed decisions regarding real estate and related economic policies.