Updated monthly by the Caromar Group team. Figures below are the latest published data as of October 7, 2026.
The numbers that matter this month
| Indicator | Latest | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac, week of Oct 1) | 7.28% | Up from 7.03% a week earlier and about 6.66% a month ago |
| 15-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac) | 6.60% | Up 0.62 points in a month |
| U.S. home prices, year over year (FHFA, Q2 2026) | +2.1% | Mainland appreciation has slowed sharply; Puerto Rico prices are still rising faster |
| San Juan average rent, 2-bedroom apartment (Global Property Guide, Q1 2026) | $2,400/month | 1-bedroom about $1,900; 3-bedroom from $2,600 |
| San Juan gross rental yield, apartments | About 4.2% average | Range roughly 3.5% to 5.2% depending on area |
What it means if you’re buying
Rates moved fast. On a $350,000 home with 10% down, the principal-and-interest payment is about $2,155 a month at 7.28%, versus about $2,025 a month ago and $1,950 at last year’s rates. That’s roughly $130 a month more than just four weeks ago, before CRIM, insurance and HOA.
- Get a fresh pre-approval. A letter from last month may no longer match your budget.
- Ask about rate locks and buydowns. In a rising-rate month, sellers are more open to closing-cost credits you can use to buy down the rate.
- Don’t wait for prices to fall. Puerto Rico prices have kept rising even as rates climbed, because inventory in the most sought-after San Juan areas is still tight.
What it means if you’re selling
Values are still near record highs, but higher rates shrink every buyer’s budget. Homes priced to today’s payments sell; homes priced to last spring’s buyers sit.
- Price to the payment, not the neighbor’s list price. We look at recent closed sales, not asking prices.
- Expect more requests for seller credits. A credit can cost you less than a price cut and still close the deal.
- Presentation matters more when buyers have fewer options that fit their payment.
What it means if you own a rental
Higher rates keep more people renting, which supports long-term rental demand in Condado, Ocean Park, Isla Verde, Hato Rey and Guaynabo. Well-managed, well-priced units are leasing; overpriced ones are not. If your unit has been sitting, the problem is usually price, condition or presentation, and all three are fixable.
Want numbers for your property?
Every building and street in San Juan behaves differently. Request a free home valuation, ask about property management, or talk to our team.
Sources: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (Oct 1, 2026); FHFA House Price Index Report, 2026Q2; Global Property Guide, Puerto Rico market analysis and San Juan rents. Payment example: $315,000 loan, 30-year fixed, principal and interest only. Estimates only, not a loan offer.
