This BusinessWeek article makes the case that:

Even if policy supports are ended, home affordability and shrinking inventory point to a sector on the mend. The broad improvement in the housing indicators in recent months leaves no doubt that the long-awaited housing recovery is finally under way. In fact, homebuilding added solidly to third-quarter economic growth, its first positive contribution in 3 1/2 years.

MP: The top chart above shows the 23.4% annual growth in third quarter Real Private Residential Fixed Investment (data), the biggest quarterly gain since the second quarter of 1986, more than 23 years ago, and the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2005 of positive growth in homebuilding.

The supply of existing homes in September fell to 7.8 months, down from a peak of 11.3 months in April 2008 and the lowest in 2 1/2 years (see second chart above). Given this year's trends, inventories will drop below seven months by yearend. A level consistently below seven months would indicate a better balance between supply and demand, further bolstering th