Builder Sentiment Improves Slightly as Mortgage Rates Continue to Weigh on Demand

May 22, 2026

Mortgage News Daily, May 22, 2026-Matthew Graham

Builder confidence improved modestly in May, though sentiment remained subdued as elevated mortgage rates, affordability pressures, and broader economic uncertainty continued to weigh on the housing market. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased three points to 37.