Things are looking up these days in mortgage markets — but not in a good way.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.46% for the weekly period ending Thursday, according to Freddie Mac. That’s a gain of eight basis points from the prior period and marks the fifth straight week of increases.

The 15-year rate edged two points higher to 5.77%, per Freddie data. It has risen for four consecutive weeks.

“With spring homebuying season in full swing, aspiring buyers should remember to shop around for the best mortgage rate, as they can potentially save thousands of dollars by getting multiple quotes,” Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater commented in a press release.

As the war in Iran drags on, pushing average gasoline prices past the $4 mark this week, prospective homebuyers have been forced to consider rising household budgets alongside an increasingly unfavorable interest rate climate.

Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) data released Wednesday showed that overall mortgage demand fell around 10% for the week ending March 27, with purchase applications dipping 3% and refinances falling 17%.

“Applications declined for both refinances and purchases as demand remains highly rate-sensitive despite increased inventory,” MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit remarked Thursday. “Looking ahead, stability in the mortgage rate environment will be key to bringing buyers back into the market.”