Mortgage Applications Declined 1.5% in Week Ending September 18

Washington, DC, September 23, 2026—Mortgage applications decreased 1.5% from one week earlier as rates rose above 7%, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending September 18.

The trade group confirmed that last week’s results included an adjustment for the Labor Day holiday. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 9% compared with the previous week.

The refinance index decreased 3% from the previous week and was 62% lower than the same week one year ago. The seasonally adjusted purchase index also saw a decrease, inching down 1% from one week earlier. The unadjusted purchase index, however, increased 9% compared with the previous week and was 11% lower than the same week one year ago.