It is good that the accessibility to the housing market increases but the reliefs will also fuel Swedes' debts, which means increased risks, says Stefan Westerberg, Länsförsäkringar's private economist.
The tightened amortization requirement from 2018 means that the borrower must amortize extra if the loan exceeds 4.5 times the household's annual income.
No "one size fits all"
Felicia Schön, private economist at Avanza, says that it is welcome that the government proposes relief in the amortization requirement.
There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to how to best use one's money. For some, the best thing may be to amortize, for another to invest, and for the third to get out of a vulnerable situation, she writes in an email.
At the same time, she points out that it means greater responsibility for the individual.
Flexibility can be valuable, but the increased economic scope should be used with consideration. If possible, it may be wise to continue amortizing some, but with the freedom to adjust if needs change.
Expected price increases
More money into housing transactions means less money for other things, says Anders Stenkrona, private economist at Nordea.
This means that housing prices will increase, of course. It means that it will become more difficult for first-time buyers to enter the housing market.
If prices go up when amortization requirements are eased, it will be difficult to get money over to savings for those who now need to buy a home at a higher price.
One who was skeptical of easing up on amortization requirements and mortgage ceilings in January when investigations were still ongoing was Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen.
It is good that one is reviewing this type of measure. But I am skeptical that the measures will, according to their own calculations, lead to a relatively strong increase in indebtedness, especially in groups that already have high debts.
I think that is unwise, he said then.
The Social Democrats' housing policy spokesperson Jennie Nilsson thinks it was important that one has reviewed the amortization requirements but says that one must safeguard financial stability and a sound amortization culture.
The government must ensure that the changes do not lead to soaring housing prices or higher interest rates. It would not help those who already have difficulty getting housing, she says.
