Norway Government Eases Loan-To -Value Mortgage Limit To 90%
ECONOMY & POLICY

Norway Government Eases Loan-To -Value Mortgage Limit To 90%

The Norwegian government will ease its loan-to-value restriction on mortgage lending, the finance ministry said, loosening a policy that had constrained borrowing and led to a decline in the construction of new homes. The revised rule set a maximum loan-to-value mortgage ratio of 90%, up from 85% previously, requiring borrowers to put up 10% equity when buying a home, down from 15% previously. "The change will allow more people to enter the housing market," Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum said in a statement. First introduced in 2015, the mortgage regulation aims to protect the banking system and the wider economy as well as consumers by limiting the growth in borrowing and preventing the formation of a housing market in Norwegian households have the highest level of debt-to-disposable income among OECD countries, standing at 253% in 2022, the latest comparable data showed, up from around 130% at the turn of the century. But borrowing has slowed in recent years as interest rates rose and the mortgage regulations restricted lenders, leading to calls from the construction industry and others for a softening of the rules. "The current requirements appear to be somewhat stringent when compared with the benefits... This is why we are now adjusting the equity rule," Vedum said. Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority had argued the loan-to-value rule should remain at 85%, while the central bank had said it could be eased to 90%.

The Norwegian government will ease its loan-to-value restriction on mortgage lending, the finance ministry said, loosening a policy that had constrained borrowing and led to a decline in the construction of new homes. The revised rule set a maximum loan-to-value mortgage ratio of 90%, up from 85% previously, requiring borrowers to put up 10% equity when buying a home, down from 15% previously. The change will allow more people to enter the housing market, Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum said in a statement. First introduced in 2015, the mortgage regulation aims to protect the banking system and the wider economy as well as consumers by limiting the growth in borrowing and preventing the formation of a housing market in Norwegian households have the highest level of debt-to-disposable income among OECD countries, standing at 253% in 2022, the latest comparable data showed, up from around 130% at the turn of the century. But borrowing has slowed in recent years as interest rates rose and the mortgage regulations restricted lenders, leading to calls from the construction industry and others for a softening of the rules. The current requirements appear to be somewhat stringent when compared with the benefits... This is why we are now adjusting the equity rule, Vedum said. Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority had argued the loan-to-value rule should remain at 85%, while the central bank had said it could be eased to 90%.

Next Story
Real Estate

Dharavi Rising

Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement, stands on the cusp of a historic transformation. With an ambitious urban renewal project finally taking shape, millions of residents are looking ahead with hope. But delivering a project of this scale brings immense challenges – from land acquisition to rehabilitate ineligible residents outside Dharavi and rehabilitation to infrastructure development. It also requires balancing commercial goals with deep-rooted social impact. At the helm is SVR Srinivas, IAS, CEO & Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), Government..

Next Story
Real Estate

MLDL Records 20.4% Growth in Pre-Sales

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. In line with INDAS 115, the company recognises revenues using the completion of contract method. Key highlights FY25: Consolidated sales (Residential and IC&IC) of Rs 32.99 billion. Gross development value (GDV) additions in FY25 were Rs 1.81 trillion compared to Rs 440 billion in FY24 (~4x growth). Residential pre-sales of Rs 28.04 billion in FY25, reflecting 20.4% growth o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UCSL Delivers India's First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway

In a landmark achievement for Indian shipbuilding and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered the first of six next-generation green cargo vessels to Norway-based Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping operator. The 3,800 DWT vessel, named Wilson Eco 1, was handed over during a ceremony at New Mangalore Port. The delivery is part of a Rs 5.06 billion project supported by Norway’s green maritime funding programme, marking India's entry into the European eco-friendly ca..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?