The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. fell slightly this week, a boon for homebuyers in what’s traditionally the housing market’s busiest time of the year.

The rate fell to 6.65% from 6.67% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.79%.

This is the first decline in the average rate after rising two weeks in a row. The average rate has trended lower since mid-January, when it climbed to just over 7% — a relief for people struggling to afford a home after years of soaring prices.

But borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose this week, pushing the average rate to 5.89% from 5.83% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.11%, Freddie Mac said. — Associated Press