Τα επιτόκια στεγαστικών δανείων αυξάνονται πάνω από 7% μετά την υποβάθμιση της πιστοληπτικής ικανότητας των ΗΠΑ — Η αγορά κατοικίας αισθάνεται την πίεση

Mortgage rates jumped sharply to begin the week, crossing back over the 7% mark and reaching their highest level in over a month. The increase came on the heels of a decision by Moody’s to downgrade the U.S. credit rating late last Friday, which sent bond yields higher and shook confidence across financial markets.

Since mortgage rates tend to track the 10-year Treasury yield, this move had a near-immediate impact on the cost of borrowing for homebuyers. As of Monday, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 7.04%, according to Mortgage News Daily a level not seen since April 11.

A Sudden Jump Amid an Unsettling Outlook

“This is a fairly significant day-to-day jump,” noted Matthew Graham, COO at Mortgage News Daily. “Lenders had to react not only to Friday’s market shift but also to continued weakness on Monday morning. The change might seem dramatic, but it doesn’t necessarily mark a change in the broader trend we’re still dealing with volatility tied to broader economic concerns.”

The rapid rise in rates has once again thrown a wrench into the housing market’s momentum. Just as the spring buying season was gaining traction, the higher costs of financing are making homeownership less accessible.

Impact on Homebuyer Activity and Builder Sentiment

The effect of April’s previous rate spike was already visible. Pending home sales tracked by signed contracts dropped 3.2% year-over-year in April, according to Realtor.com. This slowdown came at a time when activity typically peaks, highlighting just how sensitive buyers are to changes in interest rates.

Homebuilders are also feeling the pinch. According to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence has slumped to its lowest point since the end of 2023. The combination of high rates and affordability challenges is weakening demand just when builders hoped to ramp up activity.

There was a brief window of recovery in early May, when mortgage rates hovered just below the 7% mark. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a small uptick in mortgage applications during that time. However, that momentum now appears to be fading fast with the return of higher borrowing costs.

Why the 7% Threshold Matters

The 7% mark isn’t just symbolic it’s a real psychological and financial barrier for many buyers. Even a small increase in rates can push monthly mortgage payments out of reach, especially in high-cost housing markets. It can also impact whether buyers qualify for a mortgage at all.

With every uptick in rates, a portion of would-be buyers are effectively priced out of the market. This forces many to either delay their purchase, look for less expensive homes, or drop out altogether.

Τι θα ακολουθήσει?

The credit downgrade and the resulting market reaction have created a fresh wave of uncertainty for borrowers. While it’s too early to say whether this latest spike will persist, the situation serves as a reminder that the housing market remains highly sensitive to economic shifts and policy decisions.

As long as inflation concerns, budget deficits, and international credit ratings remain in the spotlight, volatility in interest rates is likely to continue. For now, prospective homebuyers and builders alike will be watching closely and hoping for a return to more stable ground. Reach out Νάντλαν Κάπιταλ For Financial Help.