Mortgages change the rules: what is important to know from July 1, 2026

Mortgages change the rules: what is important to know from July 1, 2026 New mortgage lending requirements will come into force on July 1, 2026. Banks are reviewing their approach to issuing loans, strengthening risk control. The main goal of the regulator and banks is to minimize the likelihood of loan defaults and secure the financial system. ### Why are banks tightening conditions? Financial institutions seek to "insure themselves" against the possibility of non-payments by limiting the volume of so-called "risky loans." These include loans issued to borrowers with a high debt burden (when the payment exceeds 80% of their free income) or with a low down payment (20% or less). According to the data from, macroprudential limits (MPL) have been significantly reduced since the third quarter of 2026: * New buildings: the limit has been reduced from 7% to 5%. * Ready-made housing: the limit has been reduced from 20% to 15%. * Private homes: a new limit of 28% has been introduced. * Consumer loans secured by real estate: the limit has been reduced from 25% to 18%. ### Who will be affected by the changes? It is important to understand that these rules apply exclusively to people who will take out a mortgage after July 1, 2026. These changes do not apply to loans that have already been issued — their terms remain the same. Most borrowers, as noted in the materials, will not notice the changes, since the tightening affects only the most risky segments of lending. ### What should I do if you were planning a purchase? If new conditions limit your options, experts advise you to pay attention to alternative ways to purchase housing.: 1. Installments from the developer. 2. Trade-in (exchange of old housing for new). 3. Accumulating funds to make a larger down payment. 4. Other options: rent-to-buy or housing cooperatives (although they are considered less reliable). The main advice for borrowers: when choosing a bank, compare not only the interest rate, but also the total cost of the apartment. Careful budget planning is the best way to avoid risks in the new economic environment.