Mortgage demand from homebuyers in the US has reached its highest level since September, driven by increased supply and slowing price growth, despite rising interest rates, with applications up 6% last week and 31% higher than a year ago.
Mortgage demand has surged to a three-year high due to a sharp decline in interest rates, with applications for refinancing and home purchases increasing significantly, driven by lower mortgage rates and a weakening labor market.
Mortgage demand from homebuyers decreased slightly after four weeks of gains, despite a small drop in mortgage rates to their lowest since April. Refinance applications increased modestly, especially for FHA and VA loans, while purchase applications declined by 3%, mainly due to affordability issues amid higher home prices. Overall, mortgage activity remains subdued, with upcoming economic reports likely to influence rates further.
Mortgage rates increased to a four-week high, but overall mortgage demand remained flat with a slight weekly increase in applications, though refinance activity declined. Purchase loan amounts have fallen to their lowest since January 2025, reflecting cautious borrowing amid high rates, while market sentiment was influenced by political and economic developments.
Mortgage demand dropped 10% last week due to rising rates and economic concerns, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increasing to 6.82%, leading to a slowdown in home purchase applications and refinancing activity, amid broader economic uncertainties and tariff impacts.
Mortgage demand in the U.S. has declined despite falling rates to their lowest since April, due to weak consumer sentiment and economic uncertainty, with applications dropping 3% last week even as rates decreased to 6.84%. Refinance activity also fell, though overall loan sizes are at their lowest since January, and market reactions are expected to hinge on the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate announcement.
Mortgage demand increased to its highest in over a month, driven by steady interest rates and rising housing inventory, with applications for home purchases and refinancing both up compared to last year, despite economic uncertainties.
Mortgage demand in the US has declined for the third consecutive week despite slight decreases in mortgage rates, with applications for refinancing and home purchases falling, although purchase demand remains higher than last year due to increased housing supply; the market awaits the upcoming employment report for further insights.
Mortgage rates began rising again last week, causing a 5.7% drop in total mortgage application volume to a three-month low. Both purchase and refinance applications fell, with refinance demand plunging 14% for the week. The increase in rates followed comments from Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari on the need for more positive inflation data before dialing back interest rates.
Despite a slight decrease in average contract interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, mortgage demand has stalled, with application volume remaining essentially flat and both refinance and purchase applications decreasing. Homebuyers are holding out for lower mortgage rates and more listings to hit the market, while economists predict rates to move towards 6% by the end of the year. Mortgage rates are currently driven by bonds, which are waiting on relevant economic data to offer a comment on the path of inflation and the economy.
Mortgage application volume dropped 5.6% as interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances hit 7.04%, causing a 7% decrease in refinance applications and a 5% drop in applications for home purchases. The lack of existing inventory remains a primary constraint to increasing purchase volume, with mortgage rates above 7% exacerbating the issue. Additionally, mortgage rates have moved higher again, matching the highest level since early December 2023.
Mortgage demand dropped last week as buyers faced increased competition for a limited supply of homes, with applications for purchase falling 11% and refinance demand increasing 2%. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages remained unchanged at 6.78%, with points rising to 0.65. Low existing housing supply and elevated home-price growth continue to constrain home purchase activity, while lower mortgage rates are putting more pressure on home prices and bringing more buyers into the market. The Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting and Friday's monthly employment report could impact mortgage rates.
Despite a slight increase in mortgage rates, the demand for home-purchase applications rose by 3.7% last week, while applications for refinancing fell by 7%. The housing market continues to show resilience at the start of the year, with a significant decrease in available home supply. Economists believe that the Federal Reserve's decision to halt interest rate hikes has helped to alleviate the impact of high mortgage rates, which have dampened consumer demand and limited inventory.
Mortgage demand surged over 10% as lower interest rates enticed both homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance, with the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropping to 6.75%. Applications for home purchases rose 9% from the previous week, while refinance applications increased by 11%. The drop in rates has prompted prospective buyers like Nakita Bell to consider purchasing a home, while also providing an opportunity for current homeowners to save money through refinancing.
Despite a slight increase in mortgage rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association's index of mortgage applications surged 9.9% at the start of the new year, with both home purchase and refinance applications on the rise. The housing market, impacted by the Federal Reserve's aggressive tightening campaign, continues to be interest rate-sensitive, with available home supply down significantly from pre-pandemic levels. Economists believe the central bank may be done raising interest rates, which could help bring down high mortgage rates and stimulate housing market activity.