Published February 26, 2026, 12:06 p.m. EST
Average rate on benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.98%, Freddie Mac says Mortgage Rates fell below 6% this week for the first time in three and a half years, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.
Freddie Mac’s latest survey of the primary mortgage market, released Thursday, showed the benchmark’s average rate. Fixed mortgage over 30 years fell to 5.98% from last week’s reading of 6.01%.
The average rate for a 30-year loan was 6.76% a year ago.
A real estate agent and a potential buyer stand in front of a home during an open house in Seattle, Washington, January 18, 2026. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
RENT BECOMES MORE AFFORDABLE FOR MANY AMERICANS AS THE MARKET STABILIZES
“This rate, combined with the improved availability of homes for sale, is significant and will bring more potential buyers into the market for the spring home buying season,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac chief economist.
The average rate on a Fixed mortgage over 15 years rose to 5.44% from last week’s reading of 5.35%.
TEXAS HOUSEHOLD GROWTH INCREASED CAPITAL, FAR EXCEEDING THE NATIONAL RATE
