For the year to date, 7,254 single-family permits have been issued, down just 1 percent from the 7,334 for the same period last year. These numbers show that while the economy remains volatile, consumer demand for new homes remains strong, said Tim Underwood, HBA executive vice president.

“The steady pace of the home-building market is a good sign for the local economy,” Underwood said. “It shows that lower interest rates are working, allowing consumers to continuing buying new homes despite some uncertainty in the overall economy.”

The Kansas City housing market also compares favorably to the national average. Housing permits nationwide during October fell 3.6 percent to the lowest rate since 1997.

Olathe continues to lead the metropolitan area in single-family permit activity with 1,147 permits issued through September. Kansas City, Mo., is second with 992 permits, followed by Overland Park with 711 permits and Lee’s Summit with 628.

Rounding out the top-permitting cities for the year-to-date are Shawnee, 404; Lenexa, 262; Blue Springs, 245; Independence and Raymore, 228; and Leawood, 221.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) is the voice of the housing industry and the source for housing information. Comprising more than 1,000 member companies, the HBA represents an industry that contributes more than $2.5 billion to the Kansas City economy and supports more than 36,000 jobs in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.