U.S. Mortgage Rates Rise to Highest Level Since Last August
Odaily reports that U.S. mortgage rates have risen to their highest level since last August this week, delivering another piece of bad news for homebuyers during what is typically the busiest season for home sales. Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.51% this week, up from 6.36% the previous week.
Additionally, rising costs for home insurance and property taxes in many regions are also deterring buyers. The increase in mortgage rates this year reverses the downward trend seen since the second half of 2025. Still, current mortgage rates remain below year-ago levels, and some buyers are entering the market amid the slowdown. According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage purchase applications fell week-over-week but were up 8% year-over-year. (Jin Shi)
