This week at the National Association of Home Builders' International Builders' Show in Orlando, several housing economists said that they anticipate more new construction this year, but at a slower rate of building.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said urban villages--larger-scale, walkable developments that often include a mix of housing types, shopping, and amenities--will become more prominent. Realtor.com reports that it's likely that more townhomes will be built, as they require less land and are less expensive to build.
New-home sales are expected to be highest in the South, particularly in areas where the local economies are doing well, said Frank Nothaft, chief economist at housing data firm CoreLogic, at the show. The region is also attractive to buyers as home prices, taxes, and the cost of living are lower than on the coasts and there are plenty of job opportunities.
