US Mortgage Rates Break Five-Week Rising Streak

US 30-year fixed mortgage rates edged down to 6.67% as of August 13, 2026, from 6.69% the previous week, ending a streak of five consecutive weekly increases. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said mortgage rates remained relatively stable, while improved housing affordability and recent increases in purchase and refinance applications suggest borrowers continue to respond to modest rate changes. A year earlier, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.58%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 5.96% from 6.01% a week earlier.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage in the US rose to 6.69% as of August 8, 2026, from 6.66% a week earlier, marking a fifth consecutive weekly increase and the highest level since late July 2025. Mortgage rates continued to climb as the war with Iran and the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged fueled inflation concerns. The rise in borrowing costs has further strained affordability, keeping many prospective homebuyers on the sidelines. As a result, applications for new mortgages declined in the final two weeks of July, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Still, “While mortgage rates continue to influence affordability, the housing market is showing signs of adjustment, with listing prices modestly below year-ago levels and for-sale inventory improving from the limited supply seen in recent years.”, said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Chief Economist.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage in the US rose to 6.66% as of July 30, 2026, from 6.58% a week earlier, marking the fourth consecutive weekly increase. According to Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater, the housing market continues to benefit from rising inventory levels, giving prospective homebuyers more options and supporting demand despite fluctuating mortgage rates. A year earlier, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stood at 6.72%. Meanwhile, the average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 6.04% from 5.96% the previous week.