U.S. housing starts rose less than expected in August, while applications for home mortgages declined, adding to concerns over the U.S. property market, the U.S. Census Bureau said on Wednesday. Construction on new U.S. homes rose 2.3% to 750,000, up from 733,000 in the prior month, below expectations for a 2.85% increase to 765,000. Building permits issued in July declined to 0.803 million units, from 0.812 in the previous month.