War, Rates, and the Global Housing Standoff: Iran Conflict Derails Property Markets Worldwide

The Iran war, which erupted in late February 2026, has sent shockwaves through global housing markets, pushing U.S. mortgage rates from 6.23% to 6.94% and derailing what was expected to be a strong rebound. Real estate brokers now estimate 400,000 fewer home sales this year, as buyers and sellers pull back amid affordability pressures and geopolitical uncertainty.

Watch List

• Fed meeting: The Federal Open Market Committee is expected to hold rates steady at...