According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) results as of September 17, 2026.
What the survey says
Freddie Mac said the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.95% as of September 17, 2026, up from 6.76% the prior week. A year earlier, the 30-year averaged 6.26%.
The 15-year fixed averaged 6.26%, up from 6.09% last week. A year ago it was 5.41%.
Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said the 30-year “continues to fluctuate as markets assess economic data.”
Key points to know
- Week-over-week, the 30-year rose 0.19 percentage points — one of the larger weekly moves of 2026.
- Compared with a year ago, the 30-year is about 0.69 points higher (6.95% vs. 6.26%).
- PMMS averages conventional, conforming purchase loans for borrowers with strong credit and about 20% down — your quoted rate can be higher or lower.
- Results are released weekly (typically Thursday) and reflect applications from the prior Thursday through Wednesday.
Why it matters if you are buying or already own
For buyers in California and Oregon, a near-7% 30-year print means qualifying ratios and monthly payments move against you quickly. On an illustrative $500,000 loan amount (principal and interest only, 30-year fixed, no taxes/insurance/HOA), roughly:
- At 6.76%: about $3,246 per month
- At 6.95%: about $3,310 per month
That is roughly $65 more per month — or about $780 per year — from one weekly survey move alone. On a larger California loan, the dollar gap scales up.
If you already own and are locked, this week’s survey does not change your payment. If you are shopping or rate-shopping before locking, compare written Loan Estimates the same day; the national average is a benchmark, not your personal offer.
Important limits
- PMMS is a national average from loan applications submitted to Freddie Mac — not a California- or Oregon-only rate, and not a guarantee of what any lender will quote you.
- Illustrative payments above are principal and interest only. Property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and mortgage insurance (if any) are extra.
- This is market data, not advice to buy, wait, refinance, or lock. Your credit, down payment, loan program, and property type all matter.
Bottom line: Freddie Mac’s September 17 survey put the 30-year at 6.95% and the 15-year at 6.26%. Shoppers should budget for a higher payment than last week’s print and get current quotes before deciding — especially in higher-price California metros where every rate tick shows up in the monthly number.
Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (as of September 17, 2026).