Definition

Noun: A single instance of beginning the construction of a new residential building, typically a single-family home, as counted and reported in economic statistics.

Usage

This term is primarily used in economics, finance, and government reporting. It refers to the groundbreaking or start of construction on a new housing unit intended for occupancy. The plural form "housing starts" is commonly used to refer to the aggregate monthly or annual number.

Examples

• The report showed a significant increase in the housing start for the month, indicating a stronger economy.
• Analysts were disappointed by the low number of housing starts last quarter.
• A building permit must be issued before a housing start can be recorded.

Advanced Usage

• As an economic indicator: "Housing starts" is a key leading economic indicator. A high number suggests economic confidence and growth, while a low number may signal an economic slowdown.
  • The Federal Reserve monitors housing starts closely to gauge the health of the economy.
• In compound terms: While the target term is "housing start," it is frequently part of the compound noun "housing starts data" or "housing starts report."
  • The latest housing starts data was released by the Commerce Department.

Variants and Related Words

• Housing starts (n, pl): The aggregate number of new residential construction projects begun in a specific period.
• Building start: A less common synonym.
• Groundbreaking (n): The ceremony or act of beginning construction, which can coincide with a recorded housing start.

Synonyms

• New home construction start
• Residential construction commencement

Notes

This is a specific statistical term. In everyday conversation about building a personal home, one would more naturally say "the start of construction on our house" rather than "our housing start."

Noun

1. the act of starting to construct a house