
Record $11.5 Trillion in Home Equity Remains Untapped as Borrowers Avoid Higher Rates
U.S. homeowners hold record housing wealth but are largely ignoring it. In the second quarter of 2026, total mortgage equity reached $17.9 trillion, with $11.5 trillion available for borrowing. Despite this, second-lien loans accounted for less than 0.1% of available equity. Homeowners with low locked-in mortgage rates and strong cash flow are avoiding new debt due to higher current interest rates and economic uncertainty.











