The latest government data showed a monthly decline in overall housing starts in April as single-family construction activity retreated, while building permits rebounded following March declines.

The U.S. Census Bureau released its Monthly New Residential Construction report for April on May 21.

Housing Starts

Privately-owned housing starts in April were at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 1.47 million, down 2.8% from March’s revised estimate but up 4.6% year-over-year.

Single-family housing starts were at a rate of 930,000, down 9.0% from March’s revised figure. Multifamily starts — buildings with five units or more — increased to a rate of 529,000.

Building Permits

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits were at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 1.44 million in April, up 5.8% from March but essentially flat year-over-year (-0.2%).

Single-family authorizations were at a rate of 872,000, down 2.6% from March. Authorizations for units in buildings with five units or more came in at 514,000.

Housing Completions

Privately-owned housing completions in April were at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 1.45 million, up 4.8% from March’s revised estimate but down 2.0% year-over-year.

Single-family housing completions were at a rate of 903,000, down 1.0% from March, while completions for buildings with five units or more were at 529,000.