Communities in Central Iowa issued 266 residential building permits in April, nearly 24% fewer than the 349 issued a year ago, data collected by the Home Builders of Greater Des Moines shows. For the first four months of 2026, 1,035 permits have been issued for the construction of single-family houses and townhomes, 7% fewer than the 1,114 during the same period in 2025. The average value of a residential permit issued in the first four months of 2026 is $385,806. In 2025, the average value was $373,706. The review includes 20 communities in Polk and Dallas counties, Ames and Pella as well as Polk and Dallas counties.