U.S. mortgage rates dropped below 7% for the first time since August.

Homebuilding

U.S. mortgage rates drop below 7%

U.S. mortgage rates drop below 7%

Image: Depositphotos

Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey, showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.95%.

“Potential homebuyers received welcome news this week as mortgage rates dropped below 7% for the first time since August,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Given inflation continues to decelerate and the Federal Reserve Board’s current expectations that they will lower the federal funds target rate next year, we likely will see a gradual thawing of the housing market in the new year.”

The 30-year FRM averaged 6.95% as of December 14, 2023, down from last week when it averaged 7.03%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.31%.

The 15-year FRM averaged 6.38%, up from last week when it averaged 6.29%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.54%.