Mortgage market · Reviewed October 15, 2026
What October’s Published Mortgage Rate Averages Tell You
Latest published snapshot: Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported a 7.40% average 30-year fixed mortgage rate and 6.73% average 15-year rate on October 8, 2026. These national averages describe a survey; they are not a quote or a forecast. Check Freddie Mac’s current release for any update after that date.
October 8 rate snapshot
| Loan type | Freddie Mac average | Survey date |
|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed | 7.40% | October 8, 2026 |
| 15-year fixed | 6.73% | October 8, 2026 |
Freddie Mac publishes the Primary Mortgage Market Survey weekly. Its reported rates are based on mortgage applications submitted through its Loan Product Advisor and are averages for qualifying conventional loans. The latest number can move week to week, and survey conditions will not match every borrower.
Why your offer may be different
Lenders price loans using borrower and property details. Credit history, down payment, loan-to-value ratio, property type, occupancy, loan size, points, lock period and lender fees can affect the rate or APR. A low advertised rate may assume discount points or a narrow borrower profile. Compare the APR, cash to close and total cost, not only the headline rate.
Compare a payment using your own assumptions
Keep the loan amount and term the same when testing different rates. The mortgage calculator estimates principal and interest; property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance and HOA dues should be added separately. Compare the full estimated payment with your monthly budget and emergency savings.
- Request Loan Estimates from multiple lenders close together in time.
- Compare the same loan type, term, points and lock period.
- Review origination fees, third-party charges, cash to close and APR.
- Ask how long the quote is valid and what can change before closing.
Frequently asked questions
October 2026 Mortgage Rate FAQs
Freddie Mac reported a 7.40% average for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on October 8, 2026. Its weekly survey is released on Thursdays, so check Freddie Mac for a newer report before relying on this figure.
Source and disclaimer
Rate figures are from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, published October 8, 2026. This is general education, not a lender offer or financial advice. Mortgage rates and fees change; verify the latest data and your personalized Loan Estimate.