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  • June AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index gains three points

    June AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index gains three points

    The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) for June; the score at 47.3 is a three-point increase from May.

    While the reading increased, a metric below 50 indicates an equal share of firms reporting decreases and increases.

    The South continues its reign as the strongest market with a reading at 49.5, despite a 0.01% decrease from May. The West trails at 45.6 with the Midwest close behind at 45.1. The Northeast dropped from 46.2 in May to 44.9 reading in June.

    “Architecture firms remain mired in one of the longest running downturns in the 30-plus year history of the ABI, which now stretches to 41 months without a majority of firms reporting billings growth,” said AIA Chief Economist, Richard Branch. “The uncertainty over the conflict in Iran along with high interest rates and significant labor shortages will continue to weigh on construction – and architect billings over the next several months.”

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  • June housing starts and completions exceed estimates

    June housing starts and completions exceed estimates

    On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released their new residential construction report for June 2026.

    According to the report, privately-owned housing completions in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,392,000, 3.3% above the revised May estimate of 1,347,000 and 1.5 percent% above the June 2025 rate of 1,372,000.

    Privately-owned housing starts in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,427,000, 19% above the revised May estimate of 1,199,000 and 3.5% above the June 2025 rate of 1,379,000. Single-family housing starts in June were at a rate of 895,000, a small 0.2% decline from the revised May figure of 897,000.

    Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,367,000, only 3% below the revised May rate of 1,410,000. Single-family authorizations in June were at a rate of 871,000, 2.4% below the revised May figure of 892,000.

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  • D.R. Horton realigns outlook despite strong Q3

    D.R. Horton realigns outlook despite strong Q3

    In this challenging market, the nation’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, just exceeded its Q3 expectations with 23,983 homes closed and a home sales gross margin of 20.7%. Yet, the builder is realigning its full-year revenue and closings guidance.

    On the company’s Q3 earnings call on July 21, 2026, David Auld, Executive Chairman, noted that the market is at a crossroads with the weary consumer.

    “Affordability constraints and cautious consumer sentiment continue to impact new home demand and we expect sales incentives to remain elevated during the fourth quarter, with incentive levels dependent on demand, mortgage rates and other market conditions,” said Auld.

    D.R. Horton revised its projected 2026 ‌consolidated ⁠revenue at $32.5 billion to $33.0 billion, down from its previous forcase of $33.5 billion to $34.5 billion.

    Despite this, the builder’s homebuilding revenue for the third quarter increased 1% to $8.7 billion. Total closed homes ticked up 4% from Q2 to 23,983.

    “Our experienced local operators, broad national footprint, flexible lot supply and strong balance sheet position us to compete effectively and capture demand across our markets,” said Auld We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and are committed to delivering value to our homebuyers while enhancing long-term returns for our shareholders.”

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  • Michigan governor signs bills to boost homebuilding

    Michigan governor signs bills to boost homebuilding

    On July 21, 2026, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills into law aimed at increasing homebuilding across the state. The bills will enable the Michigan Housing Opportunity Tax Credit to work in tandem with the federal low-income housing tax credit to build more affordable housing and cut red tape to help build new homes.

    “Every Michigander deserves an affordable, quality place to call home,” said Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign these bills that cut red tape, lower housing costs and expand our housing stock available to working families looking to put down roots. Over the last seven-and-a-half years, we’ve built more homes than any administration in state history and lowered costs for every Michigander, making it possible for more people to become homeowners. This year’s budget builds on that progress by investing in our neighborhoods and the people who need it most. Let’s keep working together to give every Michigander a shot at finding a place to call home.”

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