Single-family housing starts in October were at a rate of 1.177 million; this is 15.9 percent below the September figure of 1.4 million. The October rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 266,000.

Privately-owned housing completions in October were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.953 million. This is 3.8 percent below the revised September estimate of 2.031 million and is 0.7 percent below the October 2005 rate of 1.967 million.

Single-family housing completions in October were at a rate of 1.561 million; this is 8.3 percent below the September figure of 1.702 million. The October rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 348,000.

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in October were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.535 million. This is 6.3 percent below the revised September rate of 1.638 million and is 28 percent below the October 2005 estimate of 2.131 million.

Single-family authorizations in October were at a rate of 1.173 million; this is 3.8 percent below the September figure of 1.219 million. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 294,000 in October.

The drop in construction was led by a 26.4 percent decline in the South. Construction fell by 11.7 percent in the Midwest and was down 2.1 percent in the West.