Number of Homes Certified for Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes Increased in 2009

RESNET has completed its survey on the number of tax credit verifications and ratings that were completed in 2009.

In 2009 97,495 homes were rated. This is down from 100,045 homes that were rated in 2008. But the reduction is not as great as the reduction in the number of homes built in the U.S. during the same time This means that while the housing market continues to dip the number of home being rated is holding pretty steady.

The story is even better for the federal tax credit for new homes. In 2009 the numbers of homes verified as meeting the tax credit was 26,598. This is up from the 21,939 homes that were verified in 2008.

This demonstrates the effectiveness of the tax credit for energy efficient homes in transforming the housing market. While the housing market continues to be in a depression, more builders are seeing the economic value of building homes that are rated as high performing. It is appropriate that the extension of the tax credit has been approved by the U.S. Senate and awaiting approval by the House.