Skip to Main Content
|

Alaska Mortgage and Refinance Information

Written by
,
Edited by
Updated on Dec 04, 2025
On Thursday, December 04, 2025, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.32%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 6.75%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

Current mortgage rates in Alaska

As of Thursday, December 04, 2025, current mortgage interest rates in Alaska are 6.28% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 5.68% for a 15-year fixed mortgage.

In 2026, the conforming mortgage loan limit for a single-family home in the state is $1,249,125. That’s far higher than in most states, where the limit stands at $832,750. Likewise, single-family limits for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans in the state vary by county in 2025, from $524,255 to as high as $1,209,750.

Refinance rates in Alaska

When it comes time to refinance your mortgage in Alaska, remember you’re not required to work with the same lender who provided the initial loan. In fact, it’s important to take the time to shop around and do your research to make sure you’re getting the best rates and loan terms possible. There are many private lenders and mortgage companies that provide refinancing options.

In addition, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the state’s housing finance authority, offers its own refinancing programs:

  • The Streamline Refinance for existing Alaska Housing borrowers doesn’t require an appraisal or (in most cases) credit screening. It also doesn’t require occupying the home as the owner. (However, the original loan must have been made to an owner occupant.)
  • There’s also a refinance option for those who did not purchase their home with an Alaska Housing program. This program can be used to obtain better loan terms or to provide the cash needed for renovations or home improvements.

National mortgage rates by loan type

If you’d like to see how mortgage rates in Alaska compare to U.S. averages, here’s a look at the current national average rates for various loan types:

Product Interest Rate APR
6.25% 6.32%
5.62% 5.71%
6.15% 6.20%
6.29% 6.34%
6.40% 6.44%
5.51% 6.07%
6.06% 6.27%

Rates as of Thursday, December 04, 2025 at 6:30 AM

Alaska housing market statistics and trends

The median sales price in Alaska is higher than the national median, and the housing market has cooled in The Last Frontier over the past year. According to ATTOM data, the number of homes sold in Alaska dropped 40% in September 2025, compared to the previous year, and the number of purchase loans originated dropped by a whopping 56.2% year over year.

  • Median home sales price, Oct. 2025: $414,141
  • Median home value, Oct. 2025: $410,559
  • Median down payment, Sept. 2025: $42,720
  • Homeownership rate, Q2 2025: 66.0%

Sources: ATTOM, U.S. Census Bureau

Mortgage options in Alaska

  • 3% down payment mortgages: These are conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, requiring only 3% down with a minimum credit score of 620 (for Conventional 97 and HomeReady loans) to 660 (for a HomePossible loan). Note: Both HomeReady and HomePossible loans have an income limit of 80% of the area median income (AMI) where you’re purchasing.
  • FHA loan: FHA loans are government-insured loans for homebuyers with lower credit scores. You can get an FHA loan with a credit score of 580 and just 3.5% down. FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
  • VA loans: VA loans are offered to qualifying active-duty military, veterans and their spouses. These loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and don’t require a down payment.
  • USDA loans: Buyers in rural areas might be able to take advantage of a no-down payment loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Along with buying in a specific rural area, as determined by the USDA, your income must be below area-specific limits to qualify.

First-time homebuyer programs in Alaska

AHFC, also known as Alaska Housing, offers programs that can be helpful to first-time homebuyers. In order to qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you can’t have owned a primary residence in the past three years. Here’s an overview of some of the agency’s programs:

First Home

The First Home mortgage program is aimed at first-time buyers with higher incomes and offers reduced interest rates.

First Home Limited

Similar to First Home, the First Home Limited mortgage program provides lower interest rates to first-time buyers, but you must meet income limits and purchase price limits to qualify. The first-time buyer requirement can be waived if the purchase property is located in a targeted area, which are locations that have higher income and purchase price limits.

How to find the best mortgage rate in Alaska for you

  1. Step 1: Strengthen your credit score

    Long before you start looking for a mortgage lender and applying for a loan, give your finances a checkup, and improve your standing if needed. This means pulling your credit score and credit reports. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three main reporting bureaus, which you can get through AnnualCreditReport.com.

  2. Step 2: Determine your budget

    Get a handle on how much house you can afford. One rule of thumb many buyers use to figure out their price range is the 28/36 rule. Keep in mind that a mortgage lender could qualify you for a loan over your budget, but that would leave no room for unexpected expenses.

  3. Step 3: Know your mortgage options

    There are different types of mortgages, including conventional loans with as little as 3% down and government-backed loans.

  4. Step 4: Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders

    Don’t settle on the first lender you talk to. Rate-shop with different lenders — banks, credit unions, online lenders and local independents — to ensure you’re getting the best deal on rates, fees and terms.

  5. Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage

    Get a mortgage preapproval with three or four different lenders. This’ll help you understand exactly what loan amount you’d qualify for if you were to apply and prepare you to make offers on homes.


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.
Ribbon Icon
Expertise
  • Mortgages
  • Mortgage refinancing

Katie Lowery
Edited by
Katie Lowery
Editor: Loans, SMB, Home Lending