Homeowners are increasingly turning to home equity products to access cash while holding on to the historically low mortgage rates they secured during 2020–2022. According to ICE’s June 2026 Mortgage Monitor, first-quarter equity withdrawals reached their highest level since 2021, with more than half of all equity extraction coming through second liens such as HELOCs and home equity loans.
The trend is being fueled by improving HELOC affordability. Average HELOC rates fell to their lowest levels since 2022 in March, making it more attractive for borrowers to tap into their home equity without refinancing their primary mortgage. As a result, nearly 3.9 million homeowners with mortgages originated between 2020 and 2022 have added a second lien to their property.
Despite recent increases in mortgage rates, housing affordability remains better than it was a year ago, and home price growth is becoming more widespread across the country. With refinance opportunities limited, home equity lending continues to play a growing role in helping homeowners meet financial goals while creating new opportunities for lenders to serve evolving borrower needs.
Source : https://bit.ly/4aGgUxG
By: Jon Iacono