Economic & Mortgage Update for California Housing – Q1 2026
Mortgage rates eased slightly year-over-year but affordability remains California's dominant housing challenge
Category: Mortgage Rates / Affordability / Housing Economics | Report Period: Q1 2026 | Prepared by: RadZ Real Estate Consulting
Executive Summary
Mortgage rates remained the central force shaping California housing affordability in Q1 2026. Rates were lower than one year earlier, but still high enough to limit purchasing power, reduce move-up activity, and keep many homeowners locked into existing lower-rate mortgages.
In March 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reported in C.A.R.'s market data was 6.18%, compared with 6.65% one year earlier. While this year-over-year improvement helped affordability somewhat, the rate level remained high relative to California home prices.
Mortgage and Affordability Dashboard – Q1 2026
| Indicator | Q1 / March 2026 Valu... |
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