Rates as of 7/16/2026
Mortgage rates hovered above 6.64% last week amid Iran conflict escalation and geopolitical uncertainty, triggering modest cooling in housing demand. California lawmakers return from recess to tackle condo defect liability legislation that's already cleared committees, addressing a key regulatory drag on development. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act proposes streamlining NEPA reviews and expanding factory-built housing, though experts warn federal measures alone won't solve affordability without bolder action on local zoning constraints. Housing starts rebounded in June after May's multifamily dip, but building permits continued declining, signaling builder caution despite construction uptick.
TAKEAWAYPolicy moves forward but market uncertainty persists.