In September, home construction starts reached 872,000 for the year; not only did this number exceed all forecasts, but the growth rate reached the highest level since 2008. The numbers also showed an increase in building permits, a sign that the growth is probably sustainable. Proposed reasons for the spike in construction have included a dwindling inventory and mortgage rates at record lows; but analysts agree that this is, chiefly, a sign of economic recovery for the hard-hit housing industry.