Homebuilders Pin Hopes On State Tax Subsidy

In large portions of California, homebuilding has not slowed, it has stopped completely. Entire counties are issuing only 1 or 2 permits a month for new units. People in the development and construction industry are desperate.

So a lot is riding on a tax credit for buyers of new homes, which California lawmakers approved in February as part of the state budget package. With $100 million authorized, the program could subsidize the purchase of 10,000 new units and, builders hope, spur some new construction.

But is the tax credit really any match for the fear and uncertainty that rule over the housing market?