Mortgage Rates Expected to Stay High Through 2026

Economists predict rates will hover above 6%, complicating homeownership and refinancing for many Americans.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has risen to 6.84%, marking its seventh increase in the past eight weeks.
Experts forecast mortgage rates to remain above 6% for at least two years, with 2025 and 2026 projections ranging from 6.1% to 6.4%.
Elevated mortgage rates, combined with stagnant home prices, have led to the lowest home sales since 1995.
Economic policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, including tax cuts and increased deficit spending, could drive inflation and keep rates high.
Recent Federal Reserve rate cuts have had limited impact on mortgage rates due to strong economic indicators and rising Treasury yields.