Homebuilder confidence has dropped to its lowest level since 2012, a 14-year low, according to the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, as rising mortgage rates and higher energy and material costs keep buyers on the sidelines. The headline index rose one point to 38 in March, a slight improvement but still well below the breakeven level of 50 that separates positive from negative conditions. Affordability remains the top concern: buyers are waiting for lower rates and greater economic clarity, while builders face elevated land, labor and construction costs. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz pointed to global events and energy prices as potential headwinds, but said efforts to reduce regulatory burdens could help improve long-term housing supply.
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Related tickers and likely impact
SPY
▼ Likely negativeSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/19/2026 | 766.48 |
| Change that session | +0.42% |
DXY
• NeutralRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/16/2026 | 101.78 |
| Change that session | -0.20% |
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Homebuilder confidence has fallen to its lowest level since 2012, according to the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, marking a 14-year low. Rising mortgage rates and higher energy and materials costs are keeping more buyers on the sidelines, NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said. The article also cites a March reading in which the headline index rose one point to 38, still below the breakeven level of 50 that separates positive from negative conditions. NAHB Chairman Bill Owens said affordability remains a top concern, while builders face elevated land, labor and construction costs. Dietz also pointed to global events and energy prices as headwinds, but said efforts to reduce regulatory burdens could help long-term housing supply.
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Homebuilder confidence has fallen to its lowest level since 2012, according to the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, with sentiment at a 14-year low amid rising mortgage rates and higher energy and material costs. The headline index rose one point to 38, still well below the breakeven level of 50, after a slight increase in March. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said these factors are keeping more buyers on the sidelines, while Chairman Bill Owens called affordability a top concern for both buyers and builders. Dietz also pointed to global events and energy prices as headwinds, but said reducing regulatory burdens could help improve long-term housing supply.
- Homebuilder Sentiment Drops To Lowest Level Since 2012
Homebuilder confidence has fallen to its lowest level since 2012, according to the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, with sentiment at a 14-year low amid rising mortgage rates and higher energy and material costs. The headline index rose one point to 38, still well below the breakeven level of 50, after a slight increase in March. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said these factors are keeping more buyers on the sidelines, while Chairman Bill Owens called affordability a top concern for both buyers and builders. Dietz also pointed to global events and energy prices as headwinds, but said reducing regulatory burdens could help improve long-term housing supply.
- Homebuilder Sentiment Drops To Lowest Level Since 2012
Homebuilder confidence fell to its lowest level since 2012, according to the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The headline index rose one point to 38 but remains well below the breakeven level of 50, as rising mortgage rates and higher energy and material costs keep buyers on the sidelines. Builders also face elevated land, labor, and construction costs, and many buyers are waiting for lower rates and greater economic clarity. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz pointed to global events and energy prices as headwinds, but said efforts to reduce regulatory burdens could help improve long-term housing supply.
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