The Trump administration is exploring a 50-year mortgage as a potential solution to high housing costs, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte announced.

The longer-term loan would significantly reduce monthly payments compared to the standard 30-year mortgage, though payments would extend two decades longer.

The proposal targets affordability for first-time buyers, who are now averaging 40 years old, while low home turnover and soaring costs have made homeownership increasingly difficult.

Currently, the average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate is 6.22%, and Fannie Mae estimates a $200,000 home would cost $1,143 per month on a 50-year mortgage versus $1,257 on a 30-year term, the Independent has reported.

Social media reactions were mixed, with some seeing it as a helpful affordability tool and others warning it could saddle buyers with more debt over time.