Skip to main content

As Interest Rates Hold Homebuilder Confidence is on the Rise

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced on January 31, 2024, that the federal fund rate would hold steady with no plan to raise it. Forbes reported that the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by a little more than 1% over the course of its remaining scheduled meetings, likely in the back half of the year.

Interest Rates and Homebuilder Confidence

The relationship between interest rates and homebuilder confidence is a key aspect of the new construction market. When interest rates hold steady or reduce, it has a positive impact on homebuilder confidence. Here’s why:

  1. Cost of Borrowing: Homebuilders benefit from lower interest rates as it reduces their cost of borrowing for construction projects. This can lead to increased profit margins and allow for more project starts and completions.
  2. Consumer Confidence: Lower interest rates can boost consumer confidence in the overall economy. When people feel secure about their finances, they are more likely to consider purchasing or building a new home.
  3. New Home Affordability: Lower interest rates make mortgages more affordable for homebuyers. This can stimulate demand for new homes as potential buyers are more likely to qualify for loans and may be willing to take advantage of favorable financing conditions and have increased buying power at the same relative income levels.

Interest Rates and Homebuilder Confidence

Construction Jobs and Housing Starts

In addition, an analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that construction sector unemployment rates improved in half of the nation last year. When homebuilders can hire workers for open jobs, they have more confidence to complete existing projects and start new ones.

Construction jobs and housing starts

Homebuilders are Key to Housing Shortfalls

Plus, the estimated 2 to 6 million home nationwide shortfall (as reported by Realtor.com) has resulted in a sustained supply imbalance, with homebuilders providing a crucial solution to the housing market by constructing new residential properties.

Homebuilders are key to housing shortfalls

Mergers and Acquisitions Build Confidence

Perhaps the strongest evidence of increased homebuilder confidence in the market can be seen in the rush of M&A transactions to start 2024, including Blackstone’s $3.5 billion acquisition of Tricon Residential. Additionally, multiple regional homebuilders have already been acquired this year by larger public builders hungry for access to new markets and a pipeline of ready-to-build lots as they rush to keep up with pent-up demand.

Private Construction Lending Solutions

Builders Capital leads the way as the #1 private construction lender nationwide. Our revolutionary Material Order Rebate (MOR) Program can help homebuilders save tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on their construction loans with discounted costs on building materials, PLUS, the option to offset their loan origination fees.* Learn more about MOR today!

*Partial credits may apply, dependent on material orders. Not available for all projects or locations. Servicing and processing fees may apply.