Builder Sentiment Improves Slightly as Mortgage Rates Continue to Weigh on Demand

Builder confidence improved modestly in May, though sentiment remained subdued as elevated mortgage rates, affordability pressures, and broader economic uncertainty continued to weigh on the housing market. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased three points to 37.

While the gain marks a slight rebound from April’s decline, the index is still sitting below the threshold that signals broader builder optimism.

All three major components of the index moved higher in May. The gauge measuring current sales conditions rose three points to 40, while the index tracking future sales expectations increased three points to 45. The component measuring prospective buyer traffic also climbed three points to 25, suggesting some buyers who had previously remained on the sidelines moved forward this spring.

“The housing market remains soft as higher mortgage rates, rising gas prices and economic uncertainty related to the war in Iran continue to dampen buyer demand,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. He added that ongoing efforts in Congress to modify the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could help increase housing supply and ease builder concerns.

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said recent increases in long-term interest rates are likely to continue limiting buyer activity. He also noted that while some regional markets are showing relative strength, affordability challenges remain a significant obstacle for the broader housing market.

Pricing trends showed builders pulling back slightly on price cuts in May. The share of builders reducing prices declined to 32%, down from 36% in April, though the average price reduction increased to 6%. Meanwhile, the use of sales incentives edged up to 61%, marking the 14th consecutive month in which at least 60% of builders offered incentives.

Regional three-month moving averages were mixed. The Midwest increased to 43, while the Northeast edged up to 42. The South held steady at 35, and the West slipped to 28. Overall, builder sentiment remains constrained by affordability pressures and elevated financing costs despite the modest improvement in May.