mortgage market

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, marking a shift in monetary policy after an extended pause. The move affects borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and business loans across the American economy, and investors are watching closely for signals about the central bank's next steps on inflation.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock says the days of low interest rates are gone, signalling that borrowing costs are likely to stay elevated for the foreseeable future. The warning matters for Australian households and businesses still adjusting to higher mortgage repayments, and it has drawn wide attention as people weigh what a permanently higher rate environment means for housing and the wider economy.

Analysts say the $32 trillion US Treasury market may be entering a new phase in which interest rates around 5% become the norm, as yields on instruments such as the five-year note move higher. The shift would mark a break from the near-zero rate years and reshape expectations for borrowing costs, equities and the broader economy.

Australia's four major banks now all expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase interest rates at next week's meeting, according to an ABC News finance report. The shared forecast suggests markets and economists see fresh inflation pressure making another rate hike likely, with borrowers bracing for higher repayments.

US mortgage rates have climbed to 7%, according to Wall Street Journal coverage examining what the increase means for homebuyers and the broader housing market. Higher borrowing costs are expected to strain affordability, cool demand, and keep pressure on both buyers and sellers as the market adjusts to the new rate environment.

US Treasury yields have pushed into 5% territory, and Wall Street analysts are suggesting that rates around this level could become the new norm rather than a temporary spike. The shift is weighing on fixed-income ETF returns, which are plummeting as higher yields depress bond prices. Investors are reassessing portfolios built for a low-rate world, with implications for equities, mortgage rates and government borrowing costs across markets.

US mortgage rates have climbed above 7%, a threshold not seen in years, leaving buyers facing significantly higher monthly payments and sellers facing reduced demand. Commentators are debating whether the housing market will cool further, see prices fall, or remain tight because of low housing supply and homeowners locked into lower rates.

Housing conditions are shifting in favor of buyers as inventory grows and sellers lose some leverage, yet consumers say prices and affordability still do not feel favorable. The gap between market data and buyer experience is the focus of new commentary, with observers noting that improvements on paper have yet to translate into relief for shoppers, who remain cautious amid elevated mortgage rates and still-high home prices.

Realtor.com has updated its 2026 housing forecast, projecting that home price growth will cool further and fall behind the pace of inflation. The revised outlook suggests sellers may see weaker price gains while buyers could face somewhat improved affordability, though elevated mortgage rates continue to weigh on the market heading into next year.

US mortgage rates increased for a third consecutive day on September 26, adding pressure on borrowers. The continued climb makes home purchases and refinancing more expensive, and prospective buyers and homeowners are watching closely for signs of where rates will settle.

Almost half of home sellers in the United States are now offering incentives to close deals, ranging from cash concessions of up to $20,000 to perks like free cruises. The trend points to a cooling housing market, with buyers gaining leverage as high mortgage rates and elevated prices leave many properties sitting longer. Commenters are treating the report as a sign the seller-friendly era may be ending.

The Central Bank of Kenya reports that mortgage loans have reached Ksh307 billion, with the average mortgage rising to about Ksh10 million. The figures point to continued growth in Kenya's housing finance market, but also highlight affordability pressures as borrowing sizes climb, a topic drawing attention from homebuyers, lenders and property analysts.

An Australian borrower has sold up and upsized in a move valued at $25,000, describing the current market as a 'perfect opportunity'. The story frames the decision against the Reserve Bank of Australia's tight monetary policy, which has pushed up mortgage costs and squeezed household budgets, cooling buyer demand and giving some homeowners unexpected leverage when trading up.