REAL ESTATE

Housing construction is getting off to a rather anemic start in the county this year.

Local governments in February issued building permits for only 452 single-family houses. A year ago it was 530, and that was down from 591 in February, 1987.

Apartments and condos were down, too, but not as much. February’s permits totalled 401, compared to 429 last year and 504 the year before.

Land in the county is getting more scarce and more expensive, and housing consultants suggest that builders are more cautious this year because a slowdown in sales is expected.

By far the largest number of permits--490, for all types of housing--was issued during the month in the unincorporated southern half of Orange County.

Somewhat surprisingly, the small city of Garden Grove was second with 76 multifamily units approved.