Citing an increase in new homes sales during May, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) expressed confidence in the housing market’s role in helping the economy recover from the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s according to a story today in the Keeping Current Matters blog, “Are New Homes Going to Be Available to Buy This Year?” The story states that builders are reporting increased demand for single-family homes in suburban, low-density neighborhoods.

“In a sign that housing stands poised to lead a post-pandemic economic recovery, builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes jumped 21 points to 58 in June, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Any reading above 50 indicates a positive market,” the NAHB reported.

In addition, the U.S. Census and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated a 17 percent increase in new housing demand in May. Get more information from the U.S. Census and the NAHB.