market research

  • NAHB sees opening for housing action after midterms

    NAHB sees opening for housing action after midterms

    The 2026 midterm elections reshaped Congress, but the National Association of Home Builders sees housing as one of the issues most likely to retain bipartisan attention. NAHB says affordability, housing supply, permitting, workforce development and the cost of building materials remain central concerns for lawmakers and voters alike.

    For builders, the important takeaway is less about party control than policy momentum. NAHB expects continued debate over permitting reform, housing finance, tariffs, immigration and regulatory barriers that affect the cost and pace of new construction. With housing affordability still elevated on the national agenda, the association is positioning the industry to press for measures that make it easier to add supply and improve attainable homeownership.

    The practical question for builders is whether election-year attention on housing can be converted into policy that lowers barriers to construction and expands supply. For Builder & Developer readers, the larger story is what this development says about where builders are finding momentum and how they are positioning for the next phase of the housing cycle. The industry benefits when growth is tied to tangible investment in communities, product, people and processes rather than short-term promotional activity.

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  • The Fine Homes Edition

    The Fine Homes Edition

    This issue of Builder and Developer is our Fine Homes Edition.

  • Fed holds benchmark rate

    Fed holds benchmark rate

    On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00%. In a 10-2 vote, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained a restrictive policy stance.

    Inflation remains elevated above the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed signaled it will wait for additional economic data before making further rate adjustments, like the September decision to raise rates for the first time in three years.

    “For housing, today’s hold on monetary policy avoids another increase in the policy rate that influences builder acquisition, development and construction lending costs,” said Robert Dietz, PhD, NAHB Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy. However, financing conditions remain restrictive for projects already facing high development and construction expenses.

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  • Lennar eyes new mall-to-mixed-use redevelopment in Florida

    Lennar eyes new mall-to-mixed-use redevelopment in Florida

    Lennar, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, is planning to purchase the Boynton Beach Mall. The mall is currently scheduled to close in early 2027 and sits on 91 acres in Boynton Beach, Fla.

    The builder intends to transform the space with townhomes and mixed-use opportunities.

    “Although planning is in the early stages and we look forward to stakeholder feedback, our vision is to take advantage of this unique opportunity with a mix of single-family attached housing opportunities, complemented by retail, commercial, open space and civic uses that will create a walkable, connected environment,” said Danielle Tocco, Vice President of Communications at Lennar, in a statement.

    The market in South Florida is green for new developments, with Boynton Beach a particularly strong market according to Realtor.com. Homes in the area sell in a median of 76 days and at a median price of $348,000.