Builder confidence continues to falter, with the national Housing Market Index (HMI) falling to 32, a 29% drop year over year.

New permit data show a 33% decline in permits in the Seattle metro area in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Governor Bob Ferguson has signed HB 1096 into law, legalizing residential lot splitting across the state. After three years of advocacy, this landmark reform creates a straightforward, administrative process for homeowners and homebuilders to divide a single lot into two.

Housing inventory in King and Snohomish counties has improved slightly but remains below healthy market levels, with King County at 1.9 months' supply and Snohomish County at 1.4.

MBAKS recently hosted a Middle Housing Forum focused on helping members navigate state law changes related to HB 1110 and HB 1337 implementation. The well-attended event featured expert panelists who emphasized the importance of keeping local code updates simple and flexible to effectively increase housing choices across King and Snohomish counties.