Decline in Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates fell again this week to the lowest level in more than three years, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac's announcement on Thursday.
Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage decreased to 6.06% from last week's reading of 6.16%. The average rate on a 30-year loan was 7.04% a year ago. It's the lowest level since September 15, 2022, when the average rate on a 30-year mortgage was 6.02%.
Late last week, mortgage rates dropped, driving the weekly average down to its lowest level in more than three years. The impacts are noticeable, as weekly purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped, underscoring the benefits for both buyers and current owners. It’s clear that housing activity is improving and poised for a solid spring sales season.
President Trump's Housing Initiatives
President Donald Trump last week ordered the Federal Housing Finance Agency – which oversees Freddie Mac and another mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae – to purchase $200 billion of bonds issued by the two companies.
FHFA Director William Pulte said last week they had started with a $3 billion initial round of purchases. Trump is under pressure to bring down costs, including for housing, as he and his fellow Republicans face a tough battle to retain control of the U.S. Congress in this year's midterm elections.
Trump has also proposed banning institutional investors from buying single-family homes.
For a very long time, buying and owning a home was considered the pinnacle of the American Dream. It was the reward for working hard, and doing the right thing, but now, because of the Record High Inflation caused by Joe Biden and the Democrats in Congress, that American Dream is increasingly out of reach for far too many people, especially younger Americans. It is for that reason, and much more, that I am immediately taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes, and I will be calling on Congress to codify it.
Institutional Investors and Market Impact
Large financial institutions like Blackstone have purchased thousands of single-family homes since the 2008 financial crisis spurred a wave of home foreclosures.
Additional Rate Details and Outlook
Meanwhile, the average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.38% from last week's reading of 5.46%.
We expect mortgage rates to remain relatively steady in the low-6% range this year, which could support modestly improving home sales in 2026. Even so, affordability constraints and the remaining stock of low-rate mortgages suggest any recovery in home sales is likely to be gradual rather than rapid.
Contributor Note
Reuters contributed to this report.
