Refi Demand Surged as Rates Hit Longer-Term Lows

Mortgage application activity surged last week as sharply lower mortgage rates boosted refinance demand and gave purchase applications a modest lift. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey showed a 10.9% increase in the seasonally adjusted Composite Index for the week ending August 8, 2025. “Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level since January, leading to a solid rebound in application activity,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “The 30-year fixed rate declined to 6.67%, the third straight weekly drop, and that pulled refinance applications to their highest level since early 2023. Purchase activity also picked up, driven by gains in both conventional and government segments.” The Refinance Index jumped 23% week-over-week and is now rough