Interest rates on existing mortgage loans in Bulgaria are beginning to rise, according to a check by BNR based on recent data. Although these instances are currently isolated and do not yet impact overall statistics, they signal a trend that experts have anticipated for some time. The increase in interest rates is more pronounced for loans denominated in euros.
For several months, financial observers have noted a rise in the average interest rates on leva deposits. This trend often leads to higher loan interest rates, particularly affecting banks with smaller market shares and euro-denominated mortgages. The adjustments in deposit rates can serve as an indicator of impending increases in loan costs.
Desislava Nikolova from the financial portal “Moite Pari” provided specific examples, noting that interest rates on some loans had risen by between 1% and 1.5%. For instance, if the interest rate rises from 2.6% to 3.6%, the monthly repayment for a loan of 100,000 leva or euros would increase by about 50 leva.
While interest rates on leva mortgage loans for existing agreements are rising, current bank offers remain unchanged. It is important for consumers to monitor movements in deposit interest rates, as these may signal potential adjustments in loan rates. Banks may decide to align their loan rates with the trends in deposit rates, making a gradual increase in loan rates a likely outcome as the average deposit interest rates continue to climb. (Novinite)