Housing stocks increased tremendously after reaching a low in October 2011, however the market shows no signs of stopping now, according to an article by Bryan Borzykowski for CNBC.
In February, housing starts increased by 5.2% month-to-month and hit its highest level in five months, according to the article. Over the past year, housing starts increased by 31%, and in January, existing home sales had one of its best months at 5.47 million in sales.
From the article:
There are other positive indicators, too. Sales prices are increasing and supply is tight, but at the same time, wages are growing — incomes expanded by 2.3% over the past year in March — and the economy is adding jobs, about 600,000 year-to-date. Housing-related stocks also continue to do well. Home Depot, for instance, is up 17% over the last 12 months, while the S&P 500 is down by 0.6%.
The main driver? For one, Millennials are moving into the housing market, creating a shift the housing market in first-time homebuyers.
From the article:
One of the biggest drivers, though, is new homebuyers. Historically, 40% of all home purchases have been by first-time buyers, but the group represents about 30% of home sales today, said Rich Heidemann, a U.S. housing analyst with Waddell & Reed. Many people are finally making enough money to leave their apartments or their parents' place and buy something for themselves, he said.
