Our post provides an updated snapshot of housing affordability in California. Over the last few years, we have seen a rapid increase in California housing costs, led by the dramatic increase in the costs of purchasing a home. While recent interest rate declines have led to a slight moderation in costs, they remain high relative to pre-pandemic levels. Monthly costs for a newly purchased home are about $2,400 higher than they were just a few years ago. Annual income needed to qualify for a typical home is about $221,000—over 2 times higher than median household income (about $96,500).
California's housing market boomed during much of the pandemic, but it started to cool this spring. Over the last few months, sales prices and sales activity have declined notably.
California builders recorded 8,254 permits in September, the lowest figure since February.
California builders recorded 9,285 housing permits in August, in line with the recent average for the month.
California builders recorded 9,676 permits in July, 5 percent above the same month in 2020.
California builders recorded 10,685 housing permits in June, a so-so number for what is typically the biggest month of the year.
California recorded 9,291 housing permits in May, well below the totals of March and April.
California builders recorded nearly 11,000 housing permits in April, more than double last April's total.
California home prices continue to soar, and are now up 12.5 percent over the past 12 months.
The state recorded nearly 12,000 housing permits in March, and nonresidential permit activity was surprisingly high.
California housing permits came in somewhat below last February's total as multifamily permits slipped.
California builders recorded 9,288 housing permits in January, slightly above January 2020.
California recorded 11,611 housing permits in December, by far the biggest monthly total in 2020.
California recorded 8,368 housing permits in November, slightly above both the October level and the 2020 monthly average.
California recorded about 8,000 housing permits in October, with single units accounting for more than 70 percent of the total.