SAN FRANCISCO—A subtle but potentially significant tremor is rippling through the U.S. housing market: a surprising rise in mortgage delinquencies that could signal early financial stress among consumers — even those considered among the most creditworthy, VantageScore reported.
According to the latest CreditGauge report from VantageScore, mortgage loans in May 2025 saw the largest year-over-year increase in early-stage delinquencies across all major credit categories. The percentage of home loans falling into the 30-59 Days Past Due category jumped from 0.92% in April to 1.03% in May, marking a notable uptick in what is typically the most stable and prioritized form of debt repayment.
The rise in early and mid-stage delinquencies this month indicates potential financial strain among some consumers,” said Susan Fahy, EVP and chief digital officer at VantageScore. “While consumer behavior generally remains positive, particularly among younger borrowers, mortgages may be an area to watch for increasing credit stress, particularly for traditionally less-risky segments with credit scores above VantageScore 660.”