Mortgage Rate Movement: The U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate has settled into the 6.3% to 6.7% range. Financial markets are watching the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy signals in August, with mortgage rates expected to drift only slightly downward through late 2026.
Inventory & Prices: U.S. active listings entering August are up roughly 8–9% year-over-year. While total supply is improving, home prices continue a modest growth trajectory of 1.5% to 2.5% annually, preventing a market crash but keeping first-time buyer affordability strained.
Rental Relief: Rental construction completions over the summer are keeping vacancy rates higher, offering renters modest relief with flat to slightly declining rental rates heading into August.
