While most economists and builders are predicting a national market decline this year, this may not seem like the best time to be discussing health in the real estate market. It is obvious that virtually every market was down last year. But a recent study issued on Builderonline.com in a study conducted by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, there were some surprising discoveries.

…Apparently, builders are still pulling permits at a relatively healthy rate in Indianapolis. Unlike other major markets that have become multifamily-oriented, single-family still accounts for two-thirds of home building activity…

An ample supply of ultra-affordable housing accounts for some of the activity.

…the median price of a home here is only $111,200, making it one of the most affordable markets in the country. As a result, home prices have declined only 7.7 percent in the last year…slightly better than the national average…

Submitted by Diane Rosenthal