Statewide Building Permits Jump

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The Indiana Builders Association says single-family building permits throughout the state saw a major increase in May. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development says 1,426 permits were issued in May, up 20 percent compared to the same month last year. 

The number of permits for May 2016 were also up 5 percent compared to April. The IBA says the number of permits for the first five months of 2016 are up 16 percent compared to the first five months of 2015.

"The improved housing market is encouraging and we look forward to continued growth in housing production in the second half of 2016," said Rick Wajda, chief executive officer of the IBA. 

The IBA says the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index saw a two-point increase to 60 in June, which is the highest number since January. Anything over 50 means more builders view conditions as good rather than poor.