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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 12, 2026 | 18.50 | 0.80 | +17.70 |
| 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 |
| Date | First print | Current | Revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 10, 2026 | -1.70 | -3 | -1.30 ↓ |
| Jun 11, 2026 | -7.60 | -6.60 | +1 ↑ |
| May 19, 2026 | 10.3 | 10.3 | 0 ↓ |
| Apr 13, 2026 | -8.40 | -7.80 | +0.60 ↑ |
