We supervise the financial marketResult
2022
Many households are sensitive to higher interest rates
New mortgagors took out loans that were 12 per cent larger last year than in 2020. The average loan-to-value ratio for new mortgagors rose from 307 to 327 per cent. This is the highest figure since FI started its mortgage survey. The stricter amortisation requirement has slowed rising loan-to-income ratios. The high debt means that borrowers’ personal finances are under more pressure when interest rates rise.
2021
Mortgages must be amortised again
The rules on amortisation go into effect as normal again after 31 August. The temporary exemption that Finansinspektionen (FI) introduced due to the exceptional uncertainty in the economy during the spring of 2020 is now ending. This means that households with high loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios must amortise their mortgages.
New borrowers are taking larger mortgages
New borrowers are continuing to take larger mortgages in relation to their income and the value of their home, according to this year’s Swedish Mortgage Market, which is being presented today by Finansinspektionen (FI). FI also announces in the report that the temporary exemption from the amortisation requirement will end on 31 August.
2020
Banks may grant all mortgagors amortisation exemption
Banks will have the possibility of offering all new and existing mortgagors an exemption from the amortisation requirements due to the spread of the coronavirus and its effects on the Swedish economy. The exemption will be in force until the end of June 2021. This enables Finansinspektionen to provide all mortgagors with greater manoeuvrability in these uncertain times.
Loss of income due to corona-virus a cause for exemption from amortisation
Due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many households and firms may be exposed to economic stress. Even if the crisis is expected to be temporary, its effects can be far-reaching. Banks and borrowers may agree to reduce or suspend amortisation payments temporarily given special grounds. FI considers the loss of income linked to COVID-19 to qualify as special grounds.
2019
More households are amortising, but households still have high debt
New mortgagors are amortising, borrowing less and buying less expensive homes, but many still have high debt. These are FI’s conclusions in this year’s mortgage report. FI is also publishing an FI Analysis that shows the stricter amortisation requirement has reduced the percentage of borrowers with high debt in relation to their income.
2017
Stricter amortisation requirement for households with large debt
Finansinspektionen’s report, Stability in the Financial System, shows that the high level of household debt and rising house prices are causing vulnerabilities to build up in the Swedish economy. FI therefore would like to introduce a stricter amortisation requirement for new mortgage holders who take large loans in relation to their income.
The amortisation requirement has had a slow-down effect
The amortisation requirement that was introduced last year has had a slow-down effect thus far. Households with new mortgages are borrowing less and buying less expensive homes, but the risks associated with high household debt remain.
2016
FI invites banks to a discussion about household debts
Household debts are continuing to develop in an unfavourable direction. This is one of the conclusions in FI's Stability Report, which is being published today.
Amortisation requirement for new mortgages
New mortgages must be amortised down to 50 per cent of the value of the residential property. The amortisation requirement will apply to all new loans that are collateralised by a residential property. The property may be revalued every fifth year.
Households borrow more in relation to their income
Swedish households are borrowing more in relation to their income. Despite this, they have in general sufficient margins to make their payments. FI presents these and other conclusions in this year's Mortgage Survey, which is being published today.
2015
New proposal for an amortization requirement
FI today sends out a proposal which requires amortization of mortgages. The proposal is that new mortgage holders must pay their mortgages down to a 50 per cent loan-to value ratio. Starting on 1 June 2016, the amortization requirement will apply to all new loans which are collateralized by a home.
FI is not progressing with the amortization requirement
Finansinspektionen (FI) is of the opinion that it is necessary to put an amortisation requirement in place. At the same time, the Administrative Court of Appeal of Jönköping, among others, finds deficiencies in the legal basis for FI to decide on an amortisation requirement. FI determines that the legal status is unclear and that FI's mandate needs clarifying. Therefore, at present, FI is not progressing with the amortisation requirement.
Resilience still sound among households with mortgages
More households are amortizing, and they are more resilient than they were a year ago. At the same time, many households with lower loan-to-value ratios choose to refrain from amortizing, confirming the need for an amortisation requirement. These are some of the conclusions from this year's mortgage survey.
Amortization requirement for new mortgages
New mortgage holders must pay their mortgages down to a 50 per cent loan-to-value ratio. The amortisation requirement will apply to all new loans granted that are collateralised by a home, as of 1 August 2015. Properties may be revalued every fifth year. The rules will apply to all banks and credit market companies. This is proposed by Finansinspektionen (FI).
