Each month, Zonda surveys builders across the country to gauge sentiment around the housing market. This survey is intended to supplement Zonda’s proprietary database by asking builders more qualitative questions.
The anonymous survey covers everything from consumer sentiment to broader macroeconomic topics like tariffs and immigration. Results are tracked over time and analyzed geographically to capture real-time shifts in builder and consumer confidence.
Below are three key takeaways from the October responses:
- Eighty-six percent of builders reported slower-than-expected demand.
- Buydowns remain prevalent but are not particularly effective.
- Eighty-seven percent of builders anticipate starts will be flat or down in 2027.
Slower-Than-Expected Demand
The October builder survey was one of the most negative in years. Eighty-six percent of builders said demand was slower than expected and just 14% said it was on track with or stronger than expected. There was also a notable jump in the share of builders saying the market is causing concern.
The insights in this article were taken from a more detailed monthly review of the survey’s findings published in Zonda’s National Outlook.
