This Could “Break” the Housing System as We Know It

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: November 25, 2025
Pricing & Profitability

Summary

This article discusses the concept of "portable mortgages" and how they might impact the US housing market and the existing 30-year fixed-rate mortgage system. While potentially helping with affordability and transaction volume, hosts should be aware that the US system differs from places like Canada, which have shorter terms and prepayment penalties.

Key Insights

  • Portable mortgages are a concept being explored in the US to address housing affordability. Homeowners could take their mortgage with them when they move to a new home.
  • In Canada, portable mortgages often have shorter terms (5 years) and include prepayment penalties.
  • The American mortgage system relies on predictability and the bundling of loans, which impacts rates. Prepayment is a known factor, priced into 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to understand the differences between the US and Canadian mortgage systems regarding portability could lead to inaccurate assumptions about potential benefits.

Related Videos

More from Pricing & Profitability

KC has ‘highest occupancy’ of World Cup cities. Is effort to add rentals working? - Kansas City Star

This article discusses Kansas City's high occupancy rates compared to other World Cup host cities, raising questions about the effectiveness of efforts to increase short-term rental availability. It implicitly touches on market trends and the impact of major events on the STR market. The article likely explores whether increased rental supply can meet demand while analyzing the city's approach to STRs.

about 20 hours agoKansas City, MO75
Best Mountain Towns Where Homes Deliver the Strongest Airbnb Returns - Realtor.com

Realtor.com's report on best mountain towns for Airbnb returns reveals key locations for STR investment. The analysis likely includes data on occupancy rates, ADR, and RevPAR to identify profitable markets. Understanding these trends helps hosts optimize pricing strategies and choose lucrative destinations.

about 22 hours ago85
Airbnb offers $750 incentive for some Ga. hosts during FIFA World Cup - WRDW

Airbnb is offering a $750 incentive for some hosts in Georgia during the FIFA World Cup, potentially boosting occupancy and profitability. This program seeks to capitalize on increased demand from the international event, offering financial benefits to participating hosts. Learn how to qualify and leverage this incentive for your STR.

3 days agoGeorgia85

Curated by Learn STR by GoStudioM