Market Trends · May 1, 2026
Mortgage Rate History: Understanding the Comparisons
By Elliman Capital
Published May 1, 2026. Articles reflect their publication period and may include historical market commentary. They are not current rates, loan offers or forecasts guaranteed to occur.
Editorial update: November 3, 2026. Original publication date retained below the headline.
Compare the same measure
Mortgage rate history can provide context, but a weekly survey, annual average and daily pricing index measure different things. An annual average is not the highest or lowest rate observed within a year.
A consistent historical series
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey provides dated historical survey observations. Use the same series and aggregation method when comparing periods. The prior chart and table mixed annual averages with a point-in-time 2026 observation; they have been removed pending a consistent, documented reconstruction.
History is not a forecast
An earlier low or high does not establish the direction of future rates. Market survey data is not a personal offer, and actual loan pricing depends on the borrower, property, terms and timing.
Make a current comparison
Ask a mortgage professional for written terms applicable to your transaction. Compare rate, fees, payment and total cost instead of relying on an old “current rate” label.
Start a mortgage inquiry or contact our team. This article is educational and is not a commitment to lend.
Further reading
General reference material; these links do not substantiate a particular historical forecast.