Images by GetTyimages. Illustrations by bankrate
Home equity rates remained flat that week as the US economy showed signs of cooling. According to Bankrate’s National Lenders Survey, the average price for the $30,000 Home Equity Line (HELOC) rose to 7.95% to one Basity Point this week. Home equity loans are stable, with home equity loans closing at 8.36%, an average of $30,000, and remained unchanged at this low in 2025.
The Commerce Department’s latest reading on gross domestic product showed that the US economy was signed in the first quarter for the first time in three years. Given the signs of a slowdown in the economy, Elena Novak, a lead real estate researcher at PropertyChecker.com, a Boston-based property data platform, says it’s important to look closely at your finances before renting your home with HELOC or home equity loans.
“HELOC is certainly flexible, but there are variable interest rates. When the Fed changes course, payments can jump,” she says (“What affects your home equity rate?” below). “A fixed-rate home equity loan may feel safer, but only if you’re confident that you can process your monthly payments even if the time is tight.”
It will be interesting to see this news affect the processing of the Federal Reserve interest rates at next week’s monetary policy meeting.
| the current | 4 weeks ago | 1 year ago | 52-week average | 52 weeks low | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| helic | 7.95% | 7.90% | 9.88% | 8.74% | 7.90% |
| 5 Years of Home Equity Loan | 8.36% | 8.40% | 8.67% | 8.47% | 8.35% |
| 10 Years of Home Equity Loan | 8.51% | 8.53% | 8.80% | 8.60% | 8.46% |
| 15 years of home equity loan | 8.42% | 8.44% | 8.80% | 8.55% | 8.37% |
| Note: The home equity rate for this study is assumed to be a $30,000 line or loan amount. | |||||
What is your home equity rate today?
Helocs and Home Equity Loans have fallen sharply from the highs reached in early 2024, with a fall in Heloc rates, notably not seen since 2023. We believe that these averages at 7.25%. I think this will be at the lowest level in three years.
Demand for HELOC and HEOANS is driven by two factors as banks and mortgage companies try to attract claimants with low loan terms for the time of conformance. The central bank cut interest rates three times in the second half of 2024, indicating that the cuts will continue this year. However, he took a break from rate reductions at the first two meetings of 2025, but moved cautiously as he keeps eye on inflation and unemployment. The third meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled for May 6-7.
What affects your home equity rate?
Several factors can affect HELOC and new home equity loan interest rates. That includes prime rates related to the Federal Reserve monetary policy. As the Fed increases its fees, the borrowing costs for equity-based loans tend to rise. The opposite tends to occur when you lower your rate.
Certainly, the Fed’s movement affects interest rates on a variety of credit products. However, since Helocs and Home Equity Loans are linked to the home as collateral, these charges tend to be much cheaper than the interest charged on credit cards or personal loans.
Current hOmelette rate vs. other types of credit rates
The Fed’s monetary policy affects the overall trend in interest rates, and interest rates promote lenders. Of course, the individual offers you receive on a particular HELOC or a new home equity loan reflects additional factors. In particular, the ratio of credit score to debt to income. It may then exist for the value of your home and the interests of your ownership, especially the amount you want to borrow. Lenders generally limit all home loans (including mortgages) to up to 80-85% of the value of your home.
Fred Bolstad, head of retail lending at US banks, said that there is Paramount to “repay the loan as soon as possible,” so some people may be more conservative to tap on their fairness. “For others, it’s all (increased) cash flow, so they want to make the most of their home.”
However, Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, notes that despite recent rate drops, home equity products remain relatively high debt. He notes using them, especially amid the current economic turmoil and fears of slowing down and recession. “Three years ago, the average HELOC rate was below 4%,” he says. “If you lose your job, if you’re not afraid of (President Trump’s) tariffs, or if you could postpone it, then you’re not in a hurry to borrow $50,000 for an 8% home renovation.”
