The meltdown in the subprime mortgage market has caused a shift toward more traditional mortgage instruments this year, according to a report released Wednesday.

However, the fallout from exotic and subprime loans — typically given to people with little or less-than-stellar credit history — has caused mortgage payments for many to skyrocket, according to the U.S. Mortgage Payment Index, compiled by Wharton School professor Susan Wachter. This had led to an increase in the number of foreclosures in areas where these instruments were popular, including the District and parts of Northern Virginia.