Number of single-family building permits in the U.S. 2000-2024

There were approximately 982,000 building permits for single-family housing units granted in the United States in 2024. That number was lower than in 2021, when the number of building permits peaked. However, those figures increased again in 2024. The numbers still remain considerably lower than its 2005 peak with 1.68 million building permits.

What is considered a single-family home?

Single-family homes are detached, independent properties built as the residence for one person, family, or household. In 2025, it is expected that the number of single-family housing units under construction in the United States will increase to over 1.1 million. In 2024, New York was one of the cities in the U.S. with the highest construction costs for residential single-family buildings. However, there were significant differences between the costs of a multi-family and a single-detached home.

What is the price of a single-family home in the United States?

Price is one of the main factors in deciding whether to buy an existing or new home. In 2023, the median sales price of an existing single-family home in the United States increased slightly, reaching 389,300 U.S. dollars. However, the price of single-family houses can vary a lot depending on its location and other factors.