Building Permits Survey (BPS)

The Building Permits Survey (BPS) is a monthly survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that collects data on new privately-owned residential building permits issued by local government permitting offices. It provides a timely indicator of housing construction activity, which is a critical component of the overall real estate market and economic health.

BPS data includes detailed breakdowns by permit type, structure size, and geographic location, enabling users to analyze trends at national, state, and local levels. This granularity supports targeted market analysis and policy development, making it a valuable resource for stakeholders in the real estate and construction sectors.

While the BPS is a U.S.-centric dataset, its structure and insights offer a valuable reference for Spanish real estate professionals and PropTech companies aiming to develop or enhance similar data infrastructures. Access to comparable data in Spain would improve transparency, support innovation, and facilitate more informed decision-making in the housing and construction markets.

The survey’s monthly release schedule ensures that users have access to current data, helping them respond quickly to market changes and regulatory impacts. Its free, open data policy encourages widespread use across public and private sectors, fostering a data-driven approach to urban development and real estate investment.