Walking from a slumber
Return to home development is good news for builders and a host of other industries
By Roger Showley, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
San Diego County’s new-home market seems poised to make a small but welcome comeback next year as builders awaken from a three-year hibernation during the worst construction downturn since World War II.
Up from a historic low of about 3,200 houses and apartments authorized this year, about 4,000 units will be authorized by the county and 18 cities in the region over the next 12 months, University of San Diego economist Alan Gin projects. Several new developments expect to open sales next month, and if demand grows and lenders agree, builders are likely to open more and perhaps larger phases.