While multifamily starts surged 13.7% compared to November, the pace of new single-family housing construction slid 2.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“While lean existing home inventory and solid buyer demand are supporting the need for new construction, the combination of ongoing increases for building materials, worsening skilled labor shortages and higher mortgage rates point to declines for housing affordability in 2022.” — NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke

The cost of living has risen across the nation, but some U.S. metros have experienced particularly significant increases.

“MBA expects solid growth in purchase activity this year, as demographic drivers and the strong economy support housing demand,. However, the strength in growth will be dependent on housing inventory growing more rapidly to meet demand.” — Mortgage Bankers Association associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting Joel Kan

United Van Lines 45th Annual National Movers Study found the reasons behind the moves are pandemic-driven as people look to relocate to lower density areas and closer to family. 

At the same time, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.33%, its highest level since April 2021, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Stacker compiled the list of the most expensive homes in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area using Zillow’s Home Values Index as of November 2021.

Inflation concerns are influencing plans for homebuyers and sellers, according to a recent Redfin survey.

Nationally, interest rates rose as builder confidence fell.

Housing affordability fell to its lowest level since 2008 in October as home prices rose 19.6% from last year.