Housing starts best since 2007

Dane County homebuilding surged ahead in June, with 95 permits issued for single-family homes and duplexes, an 18.75% increase over June 2012 (80) and the highest number of June permits issued in Dane County since 2007, according to MTD Marketing Services of Menasha. Year to date, Dane County building permits for single-family homes and duplexes are up 29% compared to the same period in 2012. A total of 499 permits have been issued through June. In 2012, that number was 387. In Madison, housing permits year to date through June are up 49%, with 116 permits issued compared to 78 last year.