Building Permits measures the change in the number of new permits issued by the government for residential construction projects. It is one of the most important leading indicators for the housing market because a permit is required before construction can begin. An increase in permits signals future growth in housing starts and construction spending.
The U.S. Census Bureau collects data from local permit-issuing offices across approximately 20,000 permit-issuing jurisdictions.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 12, 2026 | — | 1.00 | — |
| Oct 14, 2026 | 8.80 | 2.90 | +5.90 |
| Sep 16, 2026 | -15.80 | -6.40 | -9.40 |
| Aug 12, 2026 | 18.30 | 0.80 | +17.50 |
| Jul 10, 2026 | -3.00 | 2.40 | -5.40 |
| Jun 11, 2026 | -6.60 | -3.50 | -3.10 |
| May 19, 2026 | 10.30 | 3.00 | +7.30 |
| Apr 13, 2026 | -7.80 | -0.50 | -7.30 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | 4.80 | -2.00 | +6.80 |
| Feb 11, 2026 | 6.80 | 5.00 | +1.80 |
| Jan 13, 2026 | -13.10 | -6.50 | -6.60 |
| Date | First print | Current | Revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 16, 2026 | -17.3 | -15.8 | +1.50 |
| Aug 12, 2026 | 18.5 | 18.3 | -0.20 |
| Jul 10, 2026 | -1.70 | -3 | -1.30 |
| Jun 11, 2026 | -7.60 | -6.60 | +1 |
| Apr 13, 2026 | -8.40 | -7.80 | +0.60 |
The latest reading is within its usual range, less than one standard deviation from the mean.
