Katie Lowery

Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Home equity rates climbed to their highest level this year, as the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged for the fourth meeting in a row. The $30,000 home equity line of credit rose two basis points to 7.47%, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the five-year $30,000 home equity loan gained three basis points to 8.13%.

Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates held steady this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.48%, unchanged from last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey.

Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Home equity rates posted broad gains this week. The $30,000 home equity line climbed 16 basis points to 7.26%, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the five-year $30,000 home equity loan jumped 12 basis points to 8.03%. Even with this week’s increase, home equity rates are still the most affordable they’ve been in years.