Dive Brief:

• The supply of new homes in Southern California ended last year with 2,200 homes available as developers were cautious despite rising prices, researchers said
• The price increases are making it difficult for middle-class buyers to get into homes.
• Also affecting the availability of homes is an apparent reluctance among developers to build attached condominiums, which likely would have lower price points.

Dive Insight:

The 2,200 homes available in the region's six counties as 2013 closed contrasted with 19,000 in 2006, before the housing market crashed. The difference demonstrates developers' caution. According to industry analysis, 15,000 homes will be sold in 2014, which is 42% of the 20-year average for the area.