Press Release: April Proclaimed as New Homes Month
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Alicia Naleid, Communications Manager
(608) 242-5151 ext. 13
April Proclaimed as New Homes Month
WBA Celebrates Strong Home Building Market
April 1, 2021 – As the home building industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, new research shows a majority (60 percent) of home buyers prefer a new home to an existing one, the highest level since 2007.
“A lot of change has happened over the past year, but the home building industry has remained strong,” said WBA Executive Director Brad Boycks. “Over 12,000 new home permits were issued across Wisconsin in 2020; a ten percent increase over 2019.”
A recent study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows the average home size (2,486 square feet) has remained flat in 2020, however the number of bedrooms and bathrooms will likely increase in 2021, with home buyer preferences shifting in the wake of the pandemic. Homebuyers are also requesting dedicated laundry rooms, energy star windows and appliances, patios/front porches, and walk-in pantries.
The Wisconsin Builders Association has also been working in conjunction with other state associations and NAHB to address the issue of increased material costs to ensure home building remains affordable.
“While some of our members have seen a slowdown, most have not, as low interest rates are driving homeowners to continue building,” said WBA President Abe Degnan. “The construction of 1,000 single-family homes creates 2,900 full-time jobs across all U.S. industries. We are dedicated to ensuring material prices come down so building new homes can remain an option for people across the state and continue to be a pillar for our economy.”
About the Wisconsin Builders Association
The Wisconsin Builders Association is a professional trade association comprised of 21 local associations dedicated to helping members build communities around the state. We advocate the interests of 4,000 home building industry members to keep housing affordable and accessible for Wisconsin families, Protecting the American Dream for over 70 years.
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