Single-detached construction continues to support the new home market in Metro Halifax as total housing starts are up by eight per cent after four months compared to last year.  Total housing starts increaed by 75 per cent in the month of April compared to last year due to another strong month of single-detached construction in Metro Halifax.  Much like last year, there was not a lot of multiples construction activity in April as there were no rental starts and only 27 apartment-style condo unit started.  However, the storyline remain in the single-detached segment of the market as the single starts were up by 47 per cent in the month of April and are now up by 45 per cent on a year-to-date basis. The 310 single starts thus far are just shy of the ten year average of 314 starts.