A recent Fortune article reports that Warren Buffet just made a big bet on the U.S. housing market, and from Blue River Development’s perspective, it is easy to see why.
The recent investment by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in three leading U.S. homebuilders – D.R. Horton, Lennar and NVR – signals strong confidence in the U.S. housing market. The investments, worth over $800 million, come at a time when the homebuilding sector is experiencing a remarkable upturn, with year-to-date gains exceeding those of the S&P 500 index.
In June 2023, new-home rebounded by 23.8%, following last year’s mortgage rate shock-induced slump. This turnaround is attributable to homebuilders’ innovative strategies to enhance affordability and attract buyers, such as offering mortgage rate buydowns and price reductions. The scarcity of resale inventory in the market further boosts the appeal of newly constructed homes.
According to John Hunt, Principal and Chief Analyst at MarketNsight, even though inventory increased with the rapid rise of interest rates, it is still 50% below pre-pandemic levels. He comments, “The gloom and doom you read in the news is just clickbait. It seems that many prognosticators have forgotten the basic principles of supply and demand. When supply is scarce, prices rise. Even with interest rates at 20-year highs constraining demand, we still do not have enough supply.”
Analysts, including Deutsche Bank, predict the shortage of housing supply will keep builders occupied for years to come, marking this period as a mid-cycle crisis rather than a market downturn.
Strategic Investment
Berkshire Hathaway’s decision to invest in these homebuilders is a strategic move aligning with the positive trajectory of the sector. The surge in homebuilder stocks, combined with the innovative approaches employed by these companies to make housing more affordable, might have attracted this investment.
Market Insight
The rebound in the housing market is a clear indication of the resilience and adaptability of the sector. Home builders and developers should pay close attention to these trends, as they offer valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Affordability Strategies
Homebuilders need to continue to address affordability concerns, as many factors are putting upward pressure on the price of housing.
Long-term Perspective
The housing shortage signifies a long-term opportunity for homebuilders to leverage undersupply. Collaborating with financial institutions, employing innovative construction methods, or investing in developing areas might be ways to tap into this ongoing demand.