Home Equity Rates Stay Near 7.3% as U.S. Home Prices Rise in April

U.S. home equity borrowing rates remained near 7.3% on May 13, 2026, as rising home prices continued to support tappable homeowner equity. The National Association of Realtors reported on May 12, 2026, that the median existing home price increased 0.9% year over year in April. The national average monthly adjustable HELOC rate was 7.21%, while the average fixed home equity loan rate was 7.36%, according to Curinos data for borrowers with credit scores of at least 780 and combined loan-to-value ratios of up to 70%. Other national averages cited put HELOCs at 7.24% and home equity loans at 7.37%. Second-lien products are generally priced off the prime rate, currently 6.75%, plus a lender margin, unlike first-lien mortgages, which track the 10-year Treasury more closely. Introductory HELOC offers can be lower, including FourLeaf Credit Union’s 5.99% rate for 12 months on lines up to $500,000, before converting to a variable rate as low as 6.75%.