(Bloomberg) — US mortgage applications for home purchases increased for a fourth week, the longest stretch of gains since March that was aided by a further easing in borrowing costs.

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s index of purchase applications rose 4.7% to a two-month high of 144.9 in the week ended Nov. 24. The contract rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell four basis points to 7.37%, the lowest since mid-September.

While mortgage rates have declined since approaching 8% about a month ago, borrowing costs remain at levels last seen in 2000. That’s discouraging many homeowners who have locked in much-lower rates from moving, limiting the number of listings and keeping home prices high.

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