The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage inched up to 6% as of March 5, from 5.98% the previous week—the lowest level since September 2022—according to data from Freddie Mac. “Mortgage rates held steady at 6% this week, hovering near their lowest level since 2022. In fact, rates are down nearly a full percentage point from this time in 2024, spurring activity from buyers, sellers, and owners. As a result, refinance activity is up, and purchase applications are ahead of last year’s pace,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.