The rebound was close. Then oil moved the mortgage market.
Buyers briefly had their best affordability in years. Now spring 2026 looks like a repeat of 2025, which rewards agents who work harder for every lead.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 25 March 2026
Key takeaways
- Mortgage rates fell below 6% in February 2026 for the first time since September 2022.
- They rose more than 50 basis points after the oil shock pushed bond yields up.
- Economists expect spring sales to resemble 2025, with existing-home sales just over 4 million a year.
A $3,000 monthly payment supported a much bigger loan in February than a year earlier. That window narrowed within weeks.
What happened
Windermere's chief economist, writing for Real Estate News, said the war is likely to delay the housing recovery. Yahoo Finance also reported the rebound stalling.
What it means for property businesses
- Fewer, more cautious buyers. Each lead is worth more.
- Sellers need reassurance. Clear pricing advice wins listings.
- Builders need incentives. Rate buy-downs and clear payment examples help.
Winning in a flat market
| Tactic | Why |
|---|---|
| Monthly payment calculators | Buyers think in payments, not prices. |
| Fast lead response | AI replies within seconds, agents follow up. |
| Neighbourhood guides | Rank for local searches and build trust. |
| Valuation requests | Capture sellers early. |
Frequently asked questions
Why did mortgage rates rise in March 2026?Higher oil prices raised inflation concerns, pushing up bond yields that mortgage rates follow.
Higher oil prices raised inflation concerns, pushing up bond yields that mortgage rates follow.
Will home sales pick up in 2026?Many forecasters expect a slow spring similar to 2025, with recovery delayed until rates ease.
Many forecasters expect a slow spring similar to 2025, with recovery delayed until rates ease.
How can estate agents get more leads now?Respond instantly, offer useful tools like payment calculators and local guides, and make valuation requests easy.
Respond instantly, offer useful tools like payment calculators and local guides, and make valuation requests easy.
Make every buyer lead count.
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