If you’re looking to purchase a home, securing a mortgage is almost certainly on your agenda. This will likely be the most substantial loan you ever take on, and selecting the wrong one can lead to significant costs for years. This article will explain the intricacies of various mortgage types and guide you through making the optimal choice. Afterwards, our frequently updated tables on best mortgage rates can assist you in pinpointing the most suitable lender.
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Explained
If you qualify for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, you’ll commit to consistent monthly payments for 360 months to fully pay for your home. With these types of mortgages, your interest rate remains unchanged throughout the entire loan duration.1 So, if you secure a rate of 6.72%—which was the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for 2024 according to Freddie Mac—that rate will hold steady for all three decades.
This differs significantly from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), where the interest rate can fluctuate over the life of the loan.2 For example, you might start with a 5.50% interest rate, and five years later, that rate could jump to 6.25% or even drop to 4.15%, with subsequent annual adjustments for the full 30 years. Essentially, the rate will adapt to future market conditions.
The major benefit of fixed-rate mortgages is the predictability of your monthly mortgage payment.3 Knowing the exact amount you need to allocate each month for housing-related expenses can simplify your budgeting and financial planning.
Historical Trends in 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
In the early 1980s, amidst a global recession, 30-year fixed-rate home loan mortgage rates were in double-digits. Freddie Mac data reveals that annual mortgage rates averaged as high as 16.63% in 1981. Since then, rates have seen a substantial decline, with no annual average climbing above 10% since 1990.
At the onset of the housing crisis in 2008, average annual rates for 30-year fixed mortgages hovered around 6%.4 However, in 2020 and 2021, rates dipped below 3.00% at many lending institutions.5 The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for 2024 stands at 6.72%.
Below is a table showing annual average 30-year fixed mortgage rates from Freddie Mac weekly data:
| Year | Average Annual Mortgage Rate |
| 2024 | 6.72% |
| 2023 | 6.81% |
| 2022 | 5.34% |
| 2021 | 2.96% |
| 2020 | 3.11% |
| 2019 | 3.94% |
| 2018 | 4.54% |
| 2017 | 3.99% |
| 2016 | 3.65% |
| 2015 | 3.85% |
When 30-year fixed mortgage rates are low, homeownership becomes more affordable and generally more accessible, particularly for first-time buyers. Additionally, many existing homeowners will opt to refinance to secure these lower interest rates. Conversely, consistently low mortgage rates can sometimes indicate a sluggish economy.
How 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Compare to Other Options
Individuals who choose 30-year fixed-rate mortgages typically seek a lower monthly payment compared to those opting for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages.6 Because the term length of a 30-year fixed loan is longer, the monthly installments tend to be smaller, though the overall cost of the loan (due to more interest accrued) is higher in the long run.
Consider a hypothetical family of four. They decide to purchase a £250,000 house with a 20% down payment (£50,000) and secure a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5.34%. Their monthly payments would be approximately £1,116 (excluding home insurance or property tax). In contrast, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5% would have monthly payments of £1,582. While the 15-year option boasts a better interest rate (5% vs. 5.34%), the monthly payment is nearly £470 higher in this scenario. For this family, the annual difference of £5,600 is crucial for groceries, school expenses, and other monthly bills. Paying off the mortgage 15 years sooner is not their primary concern; having that extra £470 per month for expenses is more important.
Generally, fixed mortgage rates are higher than ARM rates. If you select an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rate will be lower at the beginning of your loan term but will then increase as time progresses. So, while a fixed rate might start higher, it offers the security of remaining constant throughout the loan’s life.
Understanding Your 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Quote
A mortgage rate quote provides an estimate of the interest rate you might qualify for. This estimate is based on several factors: the home’s purchase price, your credit score, your down payment, and the property’s location.7 The quote will also include an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and an estimate of the fees associated with processing your loan application.
Crucially, unlike your simple interest rate, your APR reflects the true, comprehensive cost of taking on a 30-year fixed mortgage.8 The APR incorporates all the fees you’ll be required to pay.9 When comparing mortgage rates from different lenders, it is essential to pay close attention to each APR for an accurate comparison.
How to Secure a Low 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate
Obtaining the lowest possible mortgage rate for your 30-year fixed home loan is vital for keeping your housing costs manageable. As a homeowner, you’ll also be responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and repairs, in addition to your mortgage payment and interest.10
To qualify for the most favourable 30-year fixed mortgage rates, you generally need to have good credit. Most mortgage lenders assess potential borrowers using FICO credit scores.11 A good credit score, according to the FICO scoring model, falls within the 670 to 739 range.12
It’s important to remember that different mortgage lenders have varying standards for the credit scores they expect from borrowers. However, in most cases, you won’t be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage loan if your FICO credit score drops below 620.13 If your FICO score falls beneath that threshold, you still have options. For instance, you could explore getting an FHA loan if you’re a first-time homebuyer or a USDA loan if you’re planning to buy a home in a rural area (note: these are US-specific loan types).
Beyond a high credit score, maintaining a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is also crucial for securing a low mortgage rate.14 Your DTI represents the total amount of debt you pay off each month relative to your gross monthly income.15 Generally, you won’t be eligible for a qualified mortgage if your debt-to-income ratio exceeds 43%.16
Shopping around for mortgage rates is highly recommended if you desire a low rate on your 30-year fixed home loan. You might even be able to negotiate and reduce the mortgage rate a particular lender is offering. Some regions or states (e.g., in the US) also offer special home loan programmes that provide homeowners with opportunities to qualify for 30-year fixed mortgages at low rates, so researching what your local area has to offer is a smart move.
All of this underscores the importance of preparation before you begin your home search. Taking the time to improve your credit score and lower your debt-to-income ratio beforehand can significantly enhance your chances of qualifying for the lowest possible 30-year fixed mortgage rate.17
Additional Factors Influencing 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are just two pieces of the puzzle when it comes to your mortgage rate. Having substantial savings and a stable job can also be beneficial. The size of your down payment also plays a significant role in influencing your mortgage rate.18
While the standard down payment is often cited as 20%, many lenders allow you to put down more, or as little as 3%. A larger down payment means you need to borrow less money from your lender.19 Consequently, your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio (the ratio of the mortgage loan amount to the value of the home you’re buying) will be lower, reducing your overall risk as a borrower. Mortgage lenders tend to offer lower mortgage rates to borrowers with low LTV ratios.20 However, if your finances for a down payment are limited, a smaller down payment can enable you to get into a home much sooner.
You can also potentially lower your mortgage rate by paying for mortgage points.21 A single point is equivalent to 1% of your mortgage loan amount and can reduce your mortgage rate by up to a quarter of a percentage point.22
Taxes and 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages
When tax season arrives, you might be eligible for a tax deduction for the mortgage interest you’ve paid throughout the year.23 As long as you itemize your deductions (instead of claiming the standard deduction), you can typically deduct the mortgage interest paid if your home loan amount is £750,000 or less (note: this limit is US-specific; UK mortgage interest relief schemes have been phased out for most residential mortgages).
In some countries or regions, homeowners may also be allowed to deduct mortgage interest on both their state and federal income tax returns. If you forget to deduct your mortgage interest on your federal income tax return, you might still be able to claim it on your state return.
Refinancing Your 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage
You always have the option to refinance your 30-year fixed-rate mortgage if you’re not satisfied with your current interest rate. Just remember that this involves going through a new application process and a credit check. If your credit score isn’t strong or you can’t meet your lender’s other requirements, you likely won’t qualify for a lower mortgage rate.
If you refinance your 30-year fixed-rate mortgage into a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, you’ll shorten your loan term and likely reduce your interest rate.24 While your monthly mortgage payment will increase, you’ll save money overall by paying off your mortgage in 15 years instead of 30. With longer loan terms, you accrue significantly more interest over time; for 30-year mortgages, the total interest paid can be roughly double or even more than what you’d pay with a 15-year note.