Long-term trend in housing starts continues upwards despite reported fall between April and June 2006

Housing completions were up 5% to 43,000 in the quarter ending June 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. However, housing starts are reported to have fallen by 5% to 46,800 compared to the same period last year.

Completions in the 12-month period ending June 2006 were up 5% to 165,400 compared to the same period last year. Starts were also up 4% to 182,400 in this period compared to 2005.

Despite the 5% fall in starts in the first quarter, the long-term trend in housing starts continues upwards. The trend shows a 29% increase between the end of June and the equivalent 12-month period in 2001.

Housing completions also show a similar long-term upwards trend of a 28% increase over the same period.