United StatesMortgage rates in the U.S. reached a high of 6.81% in early July, contributing to a worsening affordability crisis for potential homebuyers. This increase has made it harder for mortgage-dependent households to afford homes, while providing advantages to cash buyers and foreign investors. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 3.6% decline in home loan applications during the same period, indicating reduced buyer interest. Despite the challenges, cash purchases remain stable at 25% of total home sales, though they are still lower than the 29% recorded a year prior. Foreign buyers, particularly non-resident investors, continue to dominate cash transactions, with 47% of international homebuyers using cash between April 2025 and March 2026, compared to 28% of all buyers.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the housing market dynamics without overt ideological slant. It reports on the impact of rising mortgage rates on different types of buyers without favoring any particular political group or ideology. While it highlights disparities between mortgage-dependent,
