Applications to refinance leapt 14.3% week over week and were 109% higher than the exact same week in 2025, while purchase applications climbed 6.1% and sat 10% above in 2015’s level.
Refinance momentum hit multi‑year highs
“Home mortgage applications increased recently, driven by ongoing strength in refinance activity, as home loan rates stayed near their most affordable level since 2022,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economic expert.
“Re-finance applications increased for the 4th straight week to the strongest pace given that 2022, with standard refinances up 20%. The increase in the typical loan size for refinances indicates that more borrowers with bigger loan sizes are seeking to decrease their monthly payments.”
“Purchase applications likewise moved higher, with the week’s speed practically 10% ahead of last year’s pace, as lower rates and growing levels of real estate inventory continue to support property buyer interest,” Kan said.
Purchases enhanced however cost still pinched
On the purchase side, the gain in applications recommended early strength heading into the spring selling season, but not a full‑fledged healing.