Mortgage Demand Falters Even as Interest Rates Ease
Mortgage demand experienced a noticeable dip last week despite interest rates reaching their lowest point since April. Homebuyers appear hesitant amid lingering economic uncertainties, signaling a cautious mood in the housing market.
Key Mortgage Rate Trends
The average contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with conforming loan limits (up to $806,500) dropped to 6.84% from 6.93% the previous week. While this represents a modest decline of 9 basis points, it marked the most affordable borrowing cost since April. Meanwhile, points paid at closing, which include origination fees, edged slightly higher to 0.66 from 0.64 for loans with a 20% down payment.
Demand Drops Despite Rate Relief
New applications for mortgages to purchase homes fell by 3% last week compared to the week before, based on seasonally adjusted data. However, demand remains 14% higher than the same period last year, suggesting some underlying market resilience despite recent cooling.
Refinancing activity—which typically reacts sharply to interest rate changes—also declined, slipping by 2%. Yet, year-over-year, refinance applications were up by approximately 25%. The average loan size for all mortgages reached $380,200, marking the lowest level since January 2025.
Underlying Factors: Economic Uncertainty Dampens Buyer Confidence
Market analysts attribute the slowdown chiefly to shaky consumer sentiment driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainties. These factors have triggered volatility in financial markets, nudging down mortgage rates but also weighing heavily on buyers’ willingness to proceed.
Despite falling rates, the persistent economic unease appears to be outweighing the appeal of cheaper borrowing costs. Additionally, certain segments bucked the overall trend; for instance, applications among veterans for purchase and refinance loans saw slight increases.
What Lies Ahead: The Federal Reserve’s Upcoming Announcement
Mortgage rates have held steady in the early part of this week, awaiting potential shifts triggered by upcoming Federal Reserve announcements. Experts note that while a rate cut is not on the table, investors and borrowers alike will scrutinize the Fed’s projections, particularly the dot plot chart, which reveals policymakers' outlook on interest rates over the next few years.
This information could significantly influence market sentiment and mortgage rate movements in the near term.
