Single-Family Home Permits Drop 28% In January

SMITHFIELD — Building permit activity increased modestly in Johnston County in January, even as new home construction declined sharply from a year earlier.

The Johnston County Inspections Department issued 695 permits in January 2026, a 6.6% increase from 652 permits issued in January 2025, according to county data.

New residential construction, however, saw a significant downturn. The county issued 205 permits for single-family homes and townhouses, down from 262 permits a year earlier — a 28% decrease.

Single-family home permits fell from 218 to 191, a 12.4% decline, though the January 2026 total included one modular home, compared with none permitted in January 2025. Townhouse construction dropped more sharply, with permits falling from 44 to 13, a decline of more than 70%.

Home improvements increase

While fewer new homes were built, more homeowners invested in existing properties. Permits for single-family additions and renovations rose from 27 to 37, an increase of 37%.

Permits for accessory residential structures — including storage buildings, porches and swimming pools — also increased, rising 15%, from 47 to 54.

Mobile home permits dipped slightly, falling from eight to seven, while demolition permits declined from nine to six.

Trade permits — including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and solar work — increased from 225 to 275, a 22% rise.

Overall picture

The January permit data from Johnston County show a pattern that echoes broader national housing trends. Locally, fewer permits were issued for new single‑family homes and townhouses, even as overall permit counts edged higher, driven in part by investment in remodels, additions and trade work.

Nationally, building permits and housing starts were relatively flat to slightly lower in January compared with a year earlier, with single‑family permitting showing little growth and overall starts down modestly year‑over‑year.