Mortgage Rates Inch Higher as Housing Activity Picks Up

MCLEAN, Va., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.11%.

"The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage returned to last month's level of 6.11%," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Chief Economist. "Despite the modest uptick, buyers are responding to rates in this range, with existing-home sales increasing 1.7% in February. Purchase applications also increased this week, a welcome sign as buyers enter spring homebuying season with rates down more than half a percentage point compared to the same time last year."

News Facts

• The 30-year FRM averaged 6.11% as of March 12, 2026, up from last week when it averaged 6.00%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.65%.
• The 15-year FRM averaged 5.50%, up from last week when it averaged 5.43%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.80%.

The PMMS^® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20% down and have excellent credit. For more information, view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Freddie Mac's mission is to make home possible for families across the nation. We promote liquidity, stability and affordability in the housing market throughout all economic cycles. Since 1970, we have helped tens of millions of families buy, rent or keep their home. Learn More: Website | Consumers | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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Mollie Laniado
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