MBA’s PAPI rose 2.2% to a reading of 159.4 in May as median purchase payments increased to $2,198 due to higher rates and loan sizes.

MBA’s April 2026 PAPI shows homebuyer affordability slipped month over month as median payments rose to $2,152.

While most homeowners use a reverse mortgage to eliminate their monthly payments, adjustable-rate HECMs offer the hidden flexibility of making voluntary prepayments without penalty. These optional payments not only shrink the loan balance and build home equity, but they also increase the available line of credit dollar-for-dollar, providing retirees with valuable future liquidity.