Freddie Mac’s weekly survey showed mortgage rates higher in the week ending March 25, 2026: the 30-year fixed average reached 6.38%, up from 6.22% a week earlier, and the 15-year fixed average reached 5.75%, up from 5.54%. These are historical national averages from Freddie Mac’s March 26 release—not daily quotes for March 25 or rates guaranteed to individual borrowers.
How much did mortgage rates increase?
Freddie Mac’s March 26, 2026 release reported higher averages for both fixed-rate loan terms than its March 19 release. Its publication calendar identifies the March 26 report as covering the week ending March 25.
| Fixed-rate term | Week ending March 25, 2026 | Prior week | Weekly increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year | 6.38% | 6.22% | 0.16 percentage points (16 basis points) |
| 15-year | 5.75% | 5.54% | 0.21 percentage points (21 basis points) |
These figures are Freddie Mac’s national weekly survey averages, not individualized lender offers. The dates refer to survey releases: the March 26 release covers the week ending March 25, rather than measuring a single day. See the Freddie Mac archive and publication calendar.
What these mortgage rate averages mean
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey tracks national averages for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages using loan applications submitted by lenders across the country. It provides context for the direction of rates, but it cannot tell you what a lender will offer for your application. Your credit profile and other loan details affect your rate. Freddie Mac explains the survey and rate factors in its mortgage rate and affordability guide.
A secondary report gave a daily estimate for March 25, but its retrieved information does not establish the estimate’s methodology. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey is the clearest documented comparison for the week; it should not be recast as a precise daily March 25 rate.
How to compare mortgage offers
A national average cannot substitute for pricing based on your own loan. Request Loan Estimates from multiple lenders; the CFPB recommends making it a goal to compare at least three offers. Since rates can change daily, try to obtain offers close together in time and compare them using the same assumptions. Competing offers may also give you a basis to negotiate. See the CFPB’s mortgage-shopping guidance.
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Match the loan assumptions
Before comparing figures, check whether the offers use the same:
- Loan amount, purpose, term, and product type.
- Down payment or loan-to-value assumptions.
- Rate-lock status and lock period.
- Points, lender fees, and other loan costs.
Then compare the interest rate, monthly principal-and-interest payment, fees, and other terms on each Loan Estimate. Taxes, homeowners insurance, and escrow estimates affect your budget, but may not be controlled by the lender. If estimates differ, ask why rather than assuming the lower estimate means the loan is better. The CFPB provides a Loan Estimate comparison guide.
Understand interest rate and APR
The interest rate is the cost of borrowing expressed as a rate; it does not include fees and other charges. APR is broader: it reflects the mortgage interest rate plus certain costs, such as points and broker fees. APR can help with comparisons, but it is not a standalone verdict—comparisons may mislead when loan types differ or when comparing adjustable-rate products. Compare like-for-like Loan Estimates and weigh both costs and terms. The CFPB explains the distinction in its rate-versus-APR guide.
Consider adjustable-rate payment changes
For an adjustable-rate mortgage, do not judge the offer only by its initial rate. Review when and how the rate can adjust, how the payment could change, and the worst-case payment scenario alongside fees and other terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are these rates current today?
No. The figures above describe Freddie Mac survey releases from March 2026 and are historical as of October 8, 2026. They should not be treated as rates currently available. Mortgage pricing changes, and a borrower’s actual offer depends on the lender and loan details.
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