Mortgage holidays for families with children: new rules from September 1, 2026

On September 1, 2026, amendments to the law "On Consumer Credit (Loan)" will come into force, which expand opportunities for borrowers with mortgages. Now, families in which a second child is born or adopted (as well as subsequent children) can receive mortgage loan holidays for up to one and a half years. This measure was developed on behalf of the president and is aimed at supporting citizens at a time when family expenses are rising and incomes may temporarily decrease.

What are credit holidays and how are they beneficial?

A credit vacation is a temporary suspension of loan payments or a reduction in their amount. It is important that no fines or penalties are accrued during this period, and information about the deferral does not spoil the borrower's credit history. In fact, this is not a debt cancellation, but a postponement of payments to a later date without negative consequences for the borrower's reputation.

Previously, in order to receive vacations, it was necessary to confirm a decrease in income and a high debt burden. The new law simplifies the procedure: the very fact of the birth or adoption of a second or subsequent child becomes sufficient grounds for contacting the bank.

Conditions for granting mortgage holidays

The law sets out clear criteria that the borrower and his loan must meet. Here are the basic requirements:

1. The loan amount at the time of issue should not exceed 15 million rubles. This restriction applies to all mortgage agreements subject to the new law.

2. Housing purchased with a mortgage must be the only one suitable for permanent residence. If the borrower has other housing in which he can live, the right to vacation does not arise.

3. The benefit is granted once for each loan agreement. If the borrower has already used mortgage holidays on the same loan, it will not be possible to apply with the same requirement again. An exception is made only for cases when holidays were provided due to living in an emergency zone.

4. To receive a vacation, you do not need to confirm a decrease in income. This is a key difference from the previous order — now the fact of replenishment in the family is enough.

5. The vacation period lasts until the child reaches the age of one and a half years (or 18 months from the date of adoption). During this time, the borrower may not make payments or make them in a reduced amount.

How to arrange vacations: step-by-step instructions

The procedure is simplified as much as possible, but it requires compliance with deadlines. To exercise the new right, you must submit an application to the bank within 180 days from the date of the child's birth or adoption and attach supporting documents — a birth or adoption certificate.

The Bank is obliged to consider the application within five business days. If no response has been received from the credit institution after ten working days, the holidays are considered to be established automatically. This protects borrowers from being delayed by the bank.

What happens to the loan during the holidays

During the holidays, the client is exempt from mandatory payments. However, the loan is not completely frozen — it is extended for at least the same number of months as the holidays lasted. Interest continues to accrue at the same rate as specified in the contract.

The payments that the borrower had to make in the first six months of the holidays are fully transferred to the end of the schedule. For the period from the 7th to the 18th month, interest is accrued on the remaining debt that was at the time of the start of the holidays, and is also transferred to the repayment schedule after all deferred payments.

It is important to understand that the total overpayment on the loan after the application of the holidays will increase, as interest continues to accumulate, and the loan term increases. This is not a way to save money, but a tool to temporarily ease the burden on the family budget.

Who may be denied a vacation

Despite the liberalization of the rules, there are cases when the bank has the right to refuse. The press service of Sberbank listed the main grounds for refusal.:

— the loan amount at the time of issue exceeds 15 million rubles;

— mortgage holidays have already been provided under this loan agreement (the exception is holidays due to an emergency situation);

— residential premises are not the only ones suitable for permanent residence;

— the borrower cannot document the special circumstances (there are no birth certificates or adoption documents);

— the grace period established for the mobilized and their family members is already in effect for the borrower (in accordance with Law No. 377-FZ);

— there is an effective court decision on bankruptcy, debt restructuring or sale of property;

— a court-approved settlement agreement is in effect for the loan;

— there is a court decision that has entered into force on the termination of the loan agreement or on debt collection with foreclosure on the collateral;

— enforcement documents or requirements for the guarantor have been submitted to the borrower.

What to pay attention to before registration

Mortgage holidays are an effective but responsible tool. They will be especially relevant for families who need to temporarily reduce the burden on the budget in the first months after the birth of a child: when one of the parents goes on parental leave, the costs of medicine, baby care, repairs or housing adaptation increase.

However, do not forget that vacations do not cancel the debt, but only postpone it in time. Interest continues to accrue, and the total overpayment for the entire loan term will increase. You can terminate the grace period ahead of schedule at any time, but you will no longer be granted a vacation under the same contract. Therefore, before returning to the usual payment schedule ahead of schedule, it is worth making sure that the financial situation of the family has really stabilized and you are ready to cope with the renewed obligations.

The new law is a step towards families with children, but it should be used consciously, weighing all the pros and cons of deferring a mortgage.