New Housing Loan Rules Boost Prices While SBAB Raises Business Savings Rates in Sweden

In April, Sweden will implement new housing loan regulations that are expected to increase property prices by making borrowing easier. The maximum loan-to-value ratio will rise from 85% to 90%, allowing buyers to take larger mortgages. Moreover, the previous amortization requirement for loans exceeding 4.5 times the borrower's income will be removed, facilitating easier access to housing loans (SvD).

Simultaneously, in the business savings sector, SBAB has emerged as a strong competitor by offering significantly higher interest rates on savings accounts than traditional banks. Led by Fredrik Jönsson, SBAB’s strategy focuses on transparency and fair rates, eliminating negotiation hassles for customers. Their average interest rate for business savings accounts in 2025 stood at 1.62%, substantially above the 0.26% offered by Sweden’s four largest banks. This approach has helped SBAB increase its market share by over 50% since January 2023 (Dagens Industri).

SBAB facilitates easy digital account setup through BankID and offers automatic renewal of savings periods. Additionally, deposits are protected by a state guarantee up to 1,050,000 kronor, increasing to 1,150,000 kronor from January 2026, which enhances customer security.

These changes reflect a dynamic shift in Sweden’s financial landscape, with reforms easing housing borrowing constraints while SBAB strengthens its position in business savings through attractive rates and customer-centric services.