The U.S. Census Dept. reported that privately-owned housing starts in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 529,000, 4.3 percent below the revised November estimate of 553,000 and 8.2 percent below the December 2009 rate of 576,000. Single-family housing starts in December were at a rate of 417,000; nine percent below the revised November figure of 458,000. The December rate for buildings with five units or more was 102,000.
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 635,000, 16.7 percent above the revised November rate of 544,000, but 6.8 percent below the December 2009 estimate of 681,000. Single-family authorizations in December were at a rate of 440,000, 5.5 percent above the revised November figure of 417,000.