Key Takeaways
- 'New Home Sales' tracks monthly sales of newly built homes.
- Higher sales suggest strong market demand and builder confidence.
- Data is released monthly by the Census Bureau and HUD.
- Lower sales could indicate a weaker housing market.
Article Summary
New Home Sales is an economic indicator that measures the annualized number of new single-family homes sold during a month. It reflects the housing market's sales volume in new construction homes. This includes building permits issued, homes under construction, completed homes, and homes sold.
New Home Sales is an economic indicator that tracks the number of newly constructed homes sold in a specific period.
New Home Sales: A Detailed Explanation
New Home Sales is an economic indicator that measures the annualized number of new single-family homes sold during a month. It reflects the housing market's sales volume in new construction homes. This includes building permits issued, homes under construction, completed homes, and homes sold.
The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development compile and publish the data monthly.
How is New Home Sales Calculated?
The calculation of New Home Sales involves counting permits, housing starts, and sales of new single-family homes sold or with a pending sale during the month. Multi-unit properties are not included. The data is annualized to estimate the total sales for a 12-month period based on the current month's sales activity.
New Home Sales: Chart
FRED Data: HSN1F
U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New One Family Houses Sold: United States [HSN1F], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HSN1F, January 16, 2026.
Common Questions About New Home Sales
How often is New Home Sales data released?
The New Home Sales report is released monthly, typically during the last week of the month.
What is included in New Home Sales data?
New Home Sales data includes newly constructed single-family homes, whether they are move-in ready homes, homes under construction, or homes that have not yet been built. It does not include multi-family homes or homes not intended for year-round occupancy.
How is New Home Sales different from Building Permits?
New Home Sales track the actual sales of new homes. Building Permits indicate how many new housing units have been authorized for construction. Permits are often considered a leading indicator for future New Home Sales.
Does New Home Sales data reflect regional housing market trends?
New Home Sales data is often broken down by region, offering insights into housing market trends across different parts of the United States. This helps highlight variations in housing demand and economic conditions in different areas.
How do mortgage rates affect New Home Sales?
Mortgage rates influence New Home Sales by affecting home affordability. Lower interest rates typically make mortgages more affordable, increasing demand for new homes, while higher rates can reduce demand.
Are there seasonal adjustments in New Home Sales data?
Yes, New Home Sales data is adjusted for predictable seasonal variations in the housing market. This adjustment helps provide a more accurate picture of underlying trends by removing the effects of typical seasonal patterns.
