US Mortgage Rates Reach Fresh 2025-High: MBA

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for loans of up to $806,500 in the US increased by 5bps to 6.81% in the week ended July 31st 2026, reaching the highest level in a year, after soaring by 7bps in the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The rise tracked higher Treasury yields, while renewed hostilities in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, raising inflation concerns. Meanwhile, mortgage applications decreased 2.9%, extending a 6.4% drop in the previous week. Applications to purchase a home slumped 3.6% and those to refinance a home loan dropped 1.9%, after decreases of 3.6% and 9.9% respectively in the previous week.

The average contract rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in the US climbed 7 basis points to 6.76% in the week ending July 24, 2026, marking its highest level since August 2025, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The increase tracked a rise in Treasury yields as persistent inflation concerns continued to pressure bond markets, reducing expectations for lower borrowing costs in the near term. Mortgage rates have climbed nearly 70 basis points since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February, as higher oil prices fueled inflation fears. While energy prices eased in June, renewed hostilities have revived expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. Higher borrowing costs continued to weigh on housing demand. Total mortgage applications fell 6.4% from the previous week, with purchase applications declining 3.6% and refinancing activity dropping 9.9%.

The average contract rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage in the US rose 4 basis points to 6.69% in the week ending July 17, 2026, reaching its highest level since August 22, 2025, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The increase followed a rise in Treasury yields, with inflation concerns continuing to weigh on bond markets and limiting the prospect of near-term relief for homebuyers. Mortgage rates have climbed 0.60 percentage points since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran in late February, which pushed global oil prices higher and added to broader inflation pressures. Although energy prices eased in June on hopes of peace talks, renewed hostilities have reignited concerns that inflation could remain elevated and force the Federal Reserve to keep rates higher for longer. Despite higher borrowing costs, total mortgage applications rose 1.9% after two weeks of declines, with purchase applications up 5.5% while refinancing fell 2.4%.