WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — U.S. housing construction slowed in the second quarter of 2025, with single-family permits declining in nearly every region, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Large metro areas posted the sharpest decline at 3.8 percent, while rural “micro counties” bucked the trend, recording a 1.8 percent increase — their fifth straight quarter of growth. Collectively, less densely populated regions captured just over 50 percent of the single-family market share, their highest level since early 2023.
NAHB leaders cite high mortgage rates, labor shortages, and regulatory costs as barriers to new single-family construction. At the same time, multifamily construction has expanded in smaller and rural counties, benefiting from lower land costs and lighter regulations.
Small metro outlying areas led with a 22 percent gain in multifamily permits, while large metro cores posted their ninth consecutive quarterly decline.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: While big-city housing starts are slowing, rural and small-market counties are gaining share in both single- and multifamily construction. For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
Legal issues can arise for farmers and ranchers when conducting business informally or in another state. RFD-TV Ag Law & Tax Expert Roger McEowen explores both topics in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
December 03, 2024 11:11 AM
·
RFD-TV ag law and tax expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law dives into common disputes over boundaries and conflicting surveys in agriculture.
December 01, 2024 12:51 PM
·
Key legal & tax insights for farmers, like accumulated earnings tax, using 401(k) to start farming, ag data in court, and maximizing farm home-sale exclusions when selling your farm.
November 14, 2024 05:03 PM
·
CEO, Jeanette Lombardo spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on FVC’s mission, transitioning from the military to agriculture, and success stories.
November 11, 2024 03:28 PM
November 08, 2024 03:40 PM
November 08, 2024 11:25 AM
·
November 08, 2024 10:54 AM
·
November 08, 2024 10:42 AM
·
A U.S. Federal District Court upheld an Arizona rancher’s legal complaint against the Biden Administration’s decision to halt construction on a U.S.-Mexico border wall violated environmental law and the plaintiff’s property rights.
October 30, 2024 01:09 PM
·
