The most popular type of home loan in the U.S. — a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage — jumped above 7 percent this week, reaching its highest point in 21 years.
Less than two years ago, mortgage rates were under 3 percent.
The increasing borrowing cost has made it harder for buyers to afford homes in an already difficult market.
Making matters worse, the supply of houses is low — because many homeowners are unwilling to put their homes on the market and give up their existing low mortgage rates.
But despite the slight shrinkage, the price per square foot nearly doubled during that period, far outpacing inflation, to about $168 per square foot.
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