Privately-owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 914,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 6.8 percent above the revised April estimate and 28.6 percent above May 2012.
Single-family housing starts in May were 599,000; this is 0.3 percent above the revised April figure. The May rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 306,000.
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 974,000. This is 3.1 percent below the revised April rate, but 20.8 percent above May 2012.
Single-family authorizations in May were 622,000; this is 1.3 percent above the revised April figure. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were 325,000.
Privately-owned housing completions in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 690,000. This is 0.9 percent below the revised April estimate, but 12.6 percent above the May 2012 rate.
Single-family housing completions in May were 546,000, 4.2 percent above the revised April rate. The May rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 135,000.
