U.S. housing starts declined in July, with both single-family and multifamily activity moving lower, while building permits increased and completions fell.

The U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development released their Monthly New Residential Construction report for July on Aug. 18.

Housing Starts

Privately-owned housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.24 million, down 12.4% from June’s revised estimate of 1.42 million. Starts were down 13.5% compared with the July 2025 rate of 1.43 million.

Single-family housing starts were at a rate of 808,000, down 9.9% from June’s revised figure of 897,000. The July rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 421,000, down from June’s revised multifamily rate of 499,000.

Building Permits

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.44 million in July, up 5.0% from June’s revised rate of 1.37 million. Permits were up 3.1% compared with the July 2025 rate of 1.40 million.

Single-family authorizations in July were at a rate of 894,000, up 2.5% from June’s revised figure of 872,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 490,000.

Housing Completions

Privately-owned housing completions in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.21 million, down 9.1% from June’s revised estimate of 1.33 million. Completions were down 16.8% compared with the July 2025 rate of 1.46 million.

Single-family housing completions in July were at a rate of 878,000, down 5.8% from June’s revised rate of 932,000. The July rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 329,000.