First Quarter 2017 Predicts Busy Year for Home Building (Mar. 2017)

Permits for new single family residential building continued a strong growth trend with 561 permits issued during March, according to the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City’s (HBA) monthly Residential Building Permit Statistics report. The 561 single family permits issued in March brings the year’s first quarter total to 1,478 single family units compared to last year’s first quarter number of 1,224—an increase of 21%.   Multi-family permitting, while not reaching the 2016 level, reports 416 units permitted during 2017’s first three months.

Click March 2017 Residential Permit Stats for the report.

Counties with the largest increase in permits issued are Cass County (up 63%), Jackson County with a 50% increase, and KCKS/Wyandotte County up more than 100%.  Clay County, with an overall increase of 27%, is particularly busy within the Kansas City city limits.  Other locations reporting increased permit activity include Lee’s Summit (up more than 100%), Raymore (increasing by 82%), and unincorporated Platte County (up 77%).

“Builders report that homes are often sold before the foundation is complete, making it difficult to increase the supply of new homes on the market,” said Executive Vice President Josh Clark.  “The Spring Parade of Homes, however, will provide home buyers with a wide selection of available homes throughout the metro area.”

April has been designated New Homes Month by the National Association of Home Builders, which coincides with the HBA’s Spring Parade of Homes.  The Spring Parade will showcase more than 350 new homes throughout the metropolitan area from April 22 through May 7.