In the United States, interest rates for all mortgage types started to increase in 2021. This was due to the Federal Reserve introducing a series of hikes in the federal funds rate to contain the rising inflation. In the first quarter of 2024, the 30-year fixed rate declined slightly, to 6.75 percent. Despite the cut, this was about 3.9 percentage points higher than the same quarter in 2021. Why have U.S. home sales decreased? Cheaper mortgages normally encourage consumers to buy homes, while higher borrowing costs have the opposite effect. As interest rates increased in 2022, the number of existing homes sold plummeted. Soaring house prices over the past 10 years have further affected housing affordability. Between 2013 and 2023, the median price of an existing single-family home risen by about 88 percent. On the other hand, the median weekly earnings have risen much slower. Comparing mortgage terms and rates Between 2008 and 2023, the average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage in the United States stood between 2.28 and 6.11 percent. Over the same period, a 30-year mortgage term averaged a fixed-rate of between 3.08 and 6.81 percent. Rates on 15-year loan terms are lower to encourage a quicker repayment, which helps to improve a homeowner’s equity.

30 Year Mortgage Rate in the United States increased to 6.67 percent in March 20 from 6.65 percent in the previous week. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United States 30 Year Mortgage Rate.

Mortgage rates increased at a record pace in 2022, with the 10-year fixed mortgage rate doubling between March 2022 and December 2022. With inflation increasing, the Bank of England introduced several bank rate hikes, resulting in higher mortgage rates. In September 2023, the average 10-year fixed rate interest rate reached 5.1 percent. As borrowing costs get higher, demand for housing is expected to decrease, leading to declining market sentiment and slower house price growth. How have the mortgage hikes affected the market? After surging in 2021, the number of residential properties sold declined in 2022, reaching close to 1.3 million. Despite the number of transactions falling, this figure was higher than the period before the COVID-10 pandemic. The falling transaction volume also impacted mortgage borrowing. Between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the value of new mortgage loans fell year-on-year for fourth straight quarters in a row. How are higher mortgages affecting homebuyers? Homeowners with a mortgage loan usually lock in a fixed rate deal for two to ten years, meaning that after this period runs out, they need to renegotiate the terms of the loan. Many of the mortgages outstanding were taken out during the period of record-low mortgage rates and have since faced notable increases in their monthly repayment. About five million homeowners are projected to see their deal expire by the end of 2026. About two million of these loans are projected to experience a monthly payment increase of up to 199 British pounds by 2026.

Fixed 30-year mortgage rates in the United States averaged 6.71 percent in the week ending March 21 of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States MBA 30-Yr Mortgage Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The average mortgage interest rate decreased in nearly every country in Europe between 2012 and 2021, followed by an increase in response to inflation. In Hungary, Poland, Czechia, and Romania, mortgage rates peaked in late 2022 and the beginning of 2023, followed by a gradual decline until the first quarter of 2024. The rest of the countries under observation, including the biggest mortgage markets - the UK and Germany, saw a continued increase in interest rates until the fourth quarter of 2023. In the first quarter of 2024, mortgage interest rates declined quarter-on-quarter across almost all markets in focus, marking a long awaited easing of monetary policy.

Graph and download economic data for 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (MORTGAGE15US) from 1991-08-30 to 2025-03-20 about 15-year, fixed, mortgage, interest rate, interest, rate, and USA.

Mortgage interest rates worldwide varied greatly in 2024, from less than four percent in many European countries, to as high as 44 percent in Turkey. The average mortgage rate in a country depends on the central bank's base lending rate and macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and forecast economic growth. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have led to rapid increase in mortgage interest rates. Which are the leading mortgage markets? An easy way to estimate the importance of the mortgage sector in each country is by comparing household debt depth, or the ratio of the debt held by households compared to the county's GDP. In 2023, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada had some of the highest household debt to GDP ratios worldwide. While this indicator shows the size of the sector relative to the country’s economy, the value of mortgages outstanding allows to compare the market size in different countries. In Europe, for instance, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the largest mortgage markets by outstanding mortgage lending. Mortgage lending trends in the U.S. In the United States, new mortgage lending soared in 2021. This was largely due to the growth of new refinance loans that allow homeowners to renegotiate their mortgage terms and replace their existing loan with a more favorable one. Following the rise in interest rates, the mortgage market cooled, and refinance loans declined.

Exploiting variation in the timing of resets of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), we find that a sizable decline in mortgage payments (up to 50 percent) induces a significant increase in car purchases (up to 35 percent). This effect is attenuated by voluntary deleveraging. Borrowers with lower incomes and housing wealth have significantly higher marginal propensity to consume. Areas with a larger share of ARMs were more responsive to lower interest rates and saw a relative decline in defaults and an increase in house prices, car purchases, and employment. Household balance sheets and mortgage contract rigidity are important for monetary policy pass-through.

After a period of record-low mortgage interest rates, the cost of mortgage borrowing in Germany surged in 2022. In 2019, mortgage rates declined notably, falling as low as 1.16 percent in December 2020. This downward trend reversed in 2021, as mortgage rates started to gradually pick up. Five-to-ten-year mortgage loans had the lowest rates in October 2023 at 3.85 percent, while floating rate mortgages up to one year were the most expensive at 5.53 percent. Mortgages with over 10-year fixed period – the most popular loan type among homebuyers - had an interest rate of 3.9 percent.

Why did mortgage rates in Germany increase?

In 2022, the yearly inflation rate in Germany experienced a swift rise, prompting the central bank to raise interest rates to counter this surge. The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for determining Germany's central bank interest rate. In July 2022, following a prolonged period of stability, the average interest rates in Germany began a steady rise, which persisted consistently thereafter.  This increase is intended to stabilize prices, but it also means higher borrowing costs for those seeking mortgages.

Downturn in Germany's home loan borrowing

From 2022 onward, the gross residential mortgage lending in Germany fell dramatically. Besides the higher interest rates, the downturn can be explained by the slowed pace of economic growth, which makes individuals and businesses more cautious about big investments such as buying a home. Additionally, the German housing market suffers a chronic undersupply, meaning that homebuyers often struggle to find an affordable home to purchase.

Mortgage Application in the United States decreased by 2 percent in the week ending March 21 of 2025 over the previous week. This dataset provides - United States MBA Mortgage Applications - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Long term dataset showing the 30 year fixed rate mortgage average in the United States since 1971.

The global housing mortgage market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and favorable government policies promoting homeownership. The market, estimated at $15 trillion in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $23 trillion by 2033. This growth is fueled by a significant increase in demand for housing in developing economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions like China and India, where burgeoning populations and expanding middle classes are driving the need for mortgages. Furthermore, technological advancements, including the rise of Fintech solutions and online mortgage platforms, are streamlining the mortgage application process and improving accessibility for borrowers. However, fluctuating interest rates, economic uncertainties, and stringent lending regulations pose potential challenges to sustained market growth. Competition among major players, including Bank of China, China Construction Bank, HSBC, and Wells Fargo, is intensifying, leading to innovative product offerings and more competitive pricing strategies. Regional variations in market growth are expected, with North America and Europe maintaining significant market shares but experiencing more moderate growth compared to the faster expansion in Asia-Pacific. The segmentation of the market by type (e.g., fixed-rate, adjustable-rate) and application (e.g., residential, commercial) reveals further insights into market dynamics. The residential segment dominates, reflecting the majority of mortgage demand. However, the commercial segment is also exhibiting growth, driven by increasing investments in real estate and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the shift towards digital mortgage applications and the use of big data analytics in credit scoring are reshaping the market landscape, leading to greater efficiency and improved risk assessment. Continued regulatory scrutiny aimed at protecting borrowers and maintaining financial stability will likely continue to influence market trends in the coming years. Future growth projections will depend heavily on macro-economic factors, interest rate environments, and the continued evolution of technological solutions within the mortgage industry.

Mortgage interest rates in Europe soared in 2022 and remained elevated in 2023. In many countries, this resulted in interest rates more than doubling. In Denmark, the average mortgage interest rate rose from 0.67 percent in 2021 to 4.98 percent in 2023. Why did mortgage interest rates increase? Mortgage rates have risen as a result of the European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate increase. The ECB increased its interest rates to tackle inflation. As inflation calms, the ECB is expected to cut rates, which will allow mortgage lenders to reduce mortgage interest rates. What is the impact of interest rates on homebuying? Lower interest rates make taking out a housing loan more affordable, and thus, encourage homebuying. That can be seen in many countries across Europe: In France, the number of residential properties sold rose in the years leading up to 2021, and fell as interest rates increased. The number of houses sold in the UK followed a similar trend.

The global mortgage loan service market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and favorable government policies promoting homeownership. The market, valued at approximately $2 trillion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by a burgeoning demand for both residential and commercial mortgages, particularly in emerging economies with rapidly expanding middle classes. The residential segment currently dominates the market share, accounting for approximately 70%, with individual borrowers representing the largest application segment. However, the commercial estate and enterprise segments are witnessing significant growth, driven by increased corporate investments and infrastructural development. Key players like Rocket Mortgage, United Shore Financial Services, and Quicken Loans are leveraging technological advancements such as online platforms and AI-powered loan processing to enhance efficiency and customer experience, shaping the competitive landscape. The growth trajectory is expected to be influenced by fluctuating interest rates, macroeconomic conditions, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook remains positive, underpinned by the fundamental drivers mentioned above. Technological advancements, particularly in fintech, are reshaping the mortgage loan service landscape. The rise of digital platforms, streamlined application processes, and enhanced data analytics are significantly improving accessibility and speed of loan approvals. This efficiency boost is leading to increased competition, encouraging lenders to offer more competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options to attract borrowers. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of alternative credit scoring models is broadening access to mortgage loans for previously underserved populations. Regional variations in market growth are expected, with North America and Asia-Pacific representing the largest markets. However, emerging economies in regions like South America and Africa hold significant potential for future growth, given the increasing demand for housing and infrastructural development within these markets. Geographic expansion and strategic partnerships remain key strategies for players aiming for market dominance within this evolving sector.

United States Mortgage Fixed Rate: Mth Avg: 15 Year data was reported at 4.250 % pa in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.080 % pa for Sep 2018. United States Mortgage Fixed Rate: Mth Avg: 15 Year data is updated monthly, averaging 5.680 % pa from Sep 1991 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 326 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.800 % pa in Jan 1995 and a record low of 2.660 % pa in Apr 2013. United States Mortgage Fixed Rate: Mth Avg: 15 Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Freddie Mac. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.M012: Mortgage Interest Rate.

Graph and download economic data for Net Percentage of Domestic Banks Increasing Spreads of Loan Rates over Banks' Cost of Funds to Small Firms (DRISCFS) from Q2 1990 to Q1 2025 about spread, domestic, Net, percent, loans, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Bank Prime Loan Rate Changes: Historical Dates of Changes and Rates (PRIME) from 1955-08-04 to 2024-12-20 about prime, loans, interest rate, banks, interest, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

United States US: Lending Interest Rate data was reported at 3.512 % pa in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.260 % pa for 2015. United States US: Lending Interest Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 6.922 % pa from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18.870 % pa in 1981 and a record low of 3.250 % pa in 2014. United States US: Lending Interest Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Lending rate is the bank rate that usually meets the short- and medium-term financing needs of the private sector. This rate is normally differentiated according to creditworthiness of borrowers and objectives of financing. The terms and conditions attached to these rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics and data files.; ;

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands increased sharply in 2022 and 2023, after declining gradually between 2008 and 2021. In December 2022, the average interest rate for new mortgage loans stood at 1.65 percent, and by the end of 2023, it had risen to 4.13 percent. The 10-year interest rate was the lowest, at 2.96 percent; the floating and less than one-year interest rates amounted to 5.13 and 4.62 percent, respectively. In early 2024, mortgage rates decreased notably. Are mortgage rates in the Netherlands different from those in other European countries? When comparing this ranking to data that covers multiple European countries, the Netherlands’ mortgage rate was similar to the rates found in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. It was, however, a lot lower than the rates in Eastern Europe. Hungary and Romania, for example, had some of the highest mortgage rates. For more information on the European mortgage market and how much the countries differ from each other, please visit this dedicated research page. How big is the mortgage market in the Netherlands? The Netherlands has overall seen an increase in the number of mortgage loans sold and is regarded as one of the countries with the highest mortgage debt in Europe. The reason behind this is that Dutch homeowners were able to for many years to deduct interest paid from pre-tax income (a system known in the Netherlands as hypotheekrenteaftrek). Total mortgage debt of Dutch households has been increasing year-on-year since 2013.

During the month of July 2024, the company with the largest share of the reverse mortgage market in the United States was Mutual Of Omaha Mortgage Inc. Its share of 22 percent was around three percent greater than the market share of Finance Of America Reverse LLC. Reverse mortgage volume increases Mutual Of Omaha Mortgage Inc. was the top lender of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) in 2023, with the highest number of loan originations. In 2023, the company, which specializes in home equity retirement solutions, closed a total of over 5,000 HECMs and ended the year as the leading reverse mortgage company in the United States. Despite the overall number of HECMs in the United States dropping dramatically between 2009 and 2019, this trend reversed in the following years, with 2022 recording the highest 10-year figure. Banks withdraw from reverse mortgage market In the past, some of the largest banks in the United States featured in the list of leading reverse mortgage lenders; as of 2024, financial services firm Wells Fargo remained the all-time leading reverse mortgage company in the country. However, banks have exited the reverse mortgage business, and the rankings now feature companies that focus primarily on HECMs. In 2011, Wells Fargo and Bank of America – the two largest providers of HECMs at the time – stopped offering the service because of an unpredictable housing market and the creditworthiness of borrowers.