Sales of new U.S. single-family homes unexpectedly rose in October to hit a 10-year high amid robust demand across the country, offering a boost to the housing market.
The Commerce Department said new home sales increased 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 685,000 units in October, the highest level since October 2007. September’s sales pace was revised down to 645,000 units from the previously reported 667,000 units.
Economists had forecast new home sales, which account for 11 percent of overall home sales, falling 6.0 percent to a pace of 625,000 units last month. Sales surged 18.7 percent on a year-on-year basis in October.
New home sales, which have now increased for three straight months, added to strong homebuilding and existing home sales data in painting a positive picture of the housing market after it appeared to stall this year.
