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Homeowner equity hits a record $18T as delinquencies climb
ICE data show annual home price growth accelerated to 1.5% in July, while the national mortgage delinquency rate rose to 3.55% in June.
Homeowner equity reached a record $18 trillion in Q2 2026, according to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), as annual home price growth accelerated to 1.5% in July. ICE said the earlier-in-2026 decline in mortgage rates supported housing demand and helped lift both prices and equity.
ICE also reported that mortgage distress continued to rise. The national mortgage delinquency rate increased 5 basis points to 3.55% in June, and the share of mortgages in active foreclosure climbed to 0.53%, the highest in six years.
The monitor found foreclosure starts totaled 43,200 in June, a six-year high, while foreclosure sales were 7,300, up 16% from a year earlier. ICE noted that while these figures remain below pre-pandemic benchmarks, rates higher since early 2026 could limit further acceleration in housing activity in the second half.
Beyond delinquencies and foreclosures, ICE said 813,000 mortgage holders remained underwater, up 44% from a year earlier, with about 320,000 borrowers both underwater and behind on payments entering the third quarter. Texas and Florida accounted for 39% of underwater homes nationwide, ICE added.