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Dec. 22, 2025

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Updated on Dec 22, 2025

On Monday, December 22, 2025, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.33%. The average 15-year fixed mortgage APR is 5.67%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.33%. The average 15-year fixed mortgage APR is 5.67%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

Mortgage rate news this week - Dec. 22, 2025

Rates dip, inflation report delivers a pleasant surprise

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.30% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey.

This news came as the Labor Department reported that inflation had retreated to 2.7%. Economists had forecasted the consumer price index (CPI) to come in at 3%, and lower-than-expected inflation could allow mortgage rates to fall. 

Jobs are the other big factor driving mortgage rates, and a slowing labor market has also created some downward pressure. However, most housing economists don’t expect rates to drop significantly. The new consensus is that rates will stay above 6% in the coming months.

Another fresh data point came in the form of last week’s home sales number. While inflation and jobs numbers drive mortgage rates, home sales reflect how consumers feel about the cost of mortgages. The National Association of Realtors reported that the median sale price of existing homes sold in November was $409,200, up 1.2% from the previous year and an all-time high for the month. But home sales remain sluggish, at an annual pace of just 4.13 million.

“Despite mortgage rates that are close to a 12-month low, home buyers are still cautious for at least a couple of reasons. First, even with a dip in mortgage rates, home prices are still rising in many places, and affordability is still a major constraint,” says Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, a large listing service in the mid-Atlantic region. “Second, buyers are also concerned about their financial situations. Anxiety over job security and prices of goods and services has made some buyers hold back.”

Bankrate's Mortgage Rate Variability Index

The Mortgage Rate Variability Index reads 5 out of 10 as of Dec. 15, 2025, 2 points higher than last week. Our index ranks variability from a low of 1 to a high of 10, with lower readings reflecting more consistency in loan offers.

What does that mean for you as a borrower? When the variability index shows a middle-of-the-road reading, as it does now, you might not find meaningful differences in lender offers – but you should still shop around for the best mortgage deal you can get.

As of last week, the average 30-year mortgage rate in Bankrate’s weekly survey was 6.34%. The average rate has stayed below 6.5% since August, and housing economists expect rates to stay in that range for at least the rest of the year.

Learn more about Bankrate's Mortgage Rate Variability Index.

Product Interest Rate APR
30-Year Fixed Rate 6.26% 6.33%
20-Year Fixed Rate 6.03% 6.12%
15-Year Fixed Rate 5.57% 5.67%
10-Year Fixed Rate 5.44% 5.50%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA 5.89% 5.93%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA 6.26% 6.29%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo 6.51% 6.55%

Rates as of Monday, December 22, 2025 at 6:30 AM

How to compare mortgage rates

The rates you see advertised here might not match the rate you're offered due to factors like your credit score, down payment and more. Still, getting the best rate can make a big difference in your monthly budget, and potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. It’s been proven: Shopping with multiple lenders can save you up to $1,200 a year.

Factors that determine your mortgage rate

Your mortgage rate depends on a number of factors, including your individual credit profile and what’s happening in the broader economy. These variables include:

  • Your credit and finances: The better your credit score and higher your income compared to your debt, the better interest rate you’ll get. 
  • Loan size and type: The size of your loan, down payment and the type of loan all affect your mortgage rate.
  • Location: Rates vary based on where the property is located.
  • Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer: Many first-time homebuyer loan programs offer lower-rate mortgages.
  • Economic factors: Broadly, mortgage rates are impacted by forces like the Federal Reserve, inflation and investor appetite.
  • The lender you work with: Lenders set rates based on many factors, including their own supply and demand.
  • Mortgage points: Also known as discount points, these additional fees reduce your interest rate. Decide whether they're worth it with our guide to mortgage points.

How does the Federal Reserve affect mortgage rates?

Like any other financial product, mortgage costs may fluctuate with economic events, including Federal Reserve decisions. The central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its policies set the tone for what banks and other lenders charge for loans.

How to refinance your current mortgage

The process of refinancing your mortgage isn’t much different from when you applied for your original mortgage, though it typically costs less and takes less time. Borrowers choose to refinance for many reasons — a lower rate, cashing out equity, removing a co-borrower and more. When you're ready to refi, compare refinance rates and do the math with our refinance calculator.

Next steps to getting a mortgage

Before you start applying for a mortgage, here are some mortgage resources to prepare you for the process: 

Mortgage FAQ


Jeff Ostrowski covers mortgages and the housing market. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, he spent more than 20 years writing about real estate, business, the economy and politics.
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Expertise
  • Mortgages
  • Mortgage refinancing

Alice Holbrook
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Alice Holbrook
Editor, Home lending
Mark Hamrick
Reviewed by
Mark Hamrick
Washington Bureau Chief, Senior Economic Analyst