REUTERS/Larry Downing
The NAHB Housing Market index climbed to 56 in April from 52 in March.
"The HMI component index measuring future sales expectations rose five points in April to its highest level of the year," NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "This uptick shows builders are feeling optimistic that the housing market will continue to strengthen throughout 2015."
This was better than the 55 expected by economists.
"As the spring buying season gets underway, home builders are confident that current low interest rates and continued job growth will draw consumers to the market," NAHB Chairman Tom Woods said.