U.S. Builder Confidence Rises Amid Falling Mortgage Rates

20 Sep 2024 CW Team

U.S. home builder confidence increased in September, marking a break from four consecutive months of decline, as mortgage rates fell. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 41, up from 39 in August, surpassing economists' expectations of 40. This shift indicates the first positive outlook for future home sales since May. Despite the rise, builder confidence remains low, largely due to ongoing construction costs and inflation. The Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cuts are expected to ease mortgage interest rates and reduce costs for land development and construction loans. Notably, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to 6.20%, down from nearly 8% last October. Builder sentiment about sales expectations for the next six months also improved, climbing four points to 53. The easing mortgage rates have allowed builders to reduce price cuts, with the share of those lowering prices falling for the first time since April, and the average price concession dropping below 6% for the first time since July 2022.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..