September US Housing Starts, Permits Both Decline, Completions Up

08:41 AM EDT, 10/20/2026 (MT Newswires) -- September housing starts fell by 5.2% from the previous month to a 1.221 million annual rate, compared with expectations compiled by Bloomberg for a 1.305 million rate after a decrease to a 1.288 million pace in August. Building permits decreased by 0.2% to a 1.400 million rate in September, compared with the 1.385 million rate expected and following a decrease to a 1.403 million rate in August. Homes permitted but not started increased, so the outlook is mixed for a gain in housing starts next month. Home completions rose by 2.2% to a 1.192 million rate after a 9.1% decline in the previous month. Completions were down 14% year-over-year.