Homebuyers hoping for cheaper mortgages in 2027 may be disappointed. According to a CNBC report published August 31, 2026, mortgage rates are not expected to get much cheaper next year, especially if inflation stays high.
The report, titled "Waiting for homebuying to get more affordable? Here's what to expect in 2027," offers a sobering outlook for those delaying purchases in anticipation of lower rates. The key variable is inflation: persistent price pressures could keep rates elevated.
Inflation is the deciding factor
The report ties the 2027 rate forecast directly to inflation. If inflation remains high, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall significantly. This suggests that the Federal Reserve's battle against rising prices will continue to influence borrowing costs for homebuyers.
What this means for affordability
For buyers, the implication is that waiting may not yield the relief they hope for. The report does not provide specific rate projections, but the overall message is clear: don't expect a dramatic drop in mortgage rates in 2027.
The question now is whether inflation will ease enough to allow rates to decline. The report leaves that open, but the current trajectory suggests limited near-term relief for homebuyers.