New single-family building permits were up 39 percent in Wake County in January, according to data compiled by the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County.

The biggest percentage increase was in Cary, where permits are up from 47 last year to 109 this year, and Fuquay-Varina, from 19 to 33. Permits were up 68 percent in Apex, 46 percent in Wake Forest and 43 percent in Morrisville.

The rise in permits comes as builders respond to the record low inventory levels of Triangle homes for sale.