Mortgage Apps Eke Out Small Gain Thanks to Purchase Activity

Mortgage application activity managed a modest increase last week despite slightly higher rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly survey showed a 0.8% rise in the seasonally adjusted Composite Index for the week ending July 18, 2025. “Mortgage rates moved higher last week, with the 30-year fixed rate edging up to 6.84 percent, the highest level in four weeks,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “Purchase applications finished the week higher, driven by conventional purchase loans, and continue to run ahead of last year’s pace. After reaching $460,000 in March 2025, the average purchase loan amount has fallen to its lowest level since January, at $426,700.” Refinance applications declined 3% from the previous week but remain 22% higher than the same week last year. The refinance share of total applications dipped to 39.6% from 41.1%. Purchase applications rose 3% on a seasonally adjusted basis and are now 22% higher than last year. The unadjusted purchase index was up 4% week over week. The average 30-year fixed rate rose to 6.84%, the highest since mid-June, while rate movements across other loan types were mixed. Jumbo and FHA rates held steady, but points shifted in opposite directions. Mortgage Rate Summary: 30yr Fixed: 6.84% (+0.07) | Points: 0.62 (unch) 15yr Fixed: 6.14% (+0.10) | Points: 0.69 (+0.06) Jumbo 30yr: 6.75% (unch) | Points: 0.70 (+0.04) FHA: 6.52% (unch) | Points: 0.79 (−0.07) 5/1 ARM: 6.01% (unch) | Points: 0.28 (−0.17)