Swedish Parliament Approves Credit Easing Measures Boosting Housing Market Activity

On March 4, 2026, the Swedish Parliament passed new credit easing measures poised to stimulate the nation's housing market, with new mortgage regulations set to take effect on April 1. The changes include removal of the strict amortization requirement for loans exceeding 4.5 times income, while maintaining basic amortization mandates: 1% annually for loans at 50–70% loan-to-value ratio and 2% for loans exceeding 70%. Furthermore, buyers can now borrow up to 90% of a property's value with a 10% down payment, although additional loans are capped at 80% of the property's value.

These regulatory updates have already triggered increased market activity. Hemnet reports that the price per square meter in central Stockholm has exceeded 120,000 SEK for the first time, alongside a sharp reduction in average selling time to 12 days, the lowest since March 2022. Market analyst Erik Holmberg attributed this surge to tight supply combined with strong purchasing demand, fostering intense competition and upward pressure on prices.

In addition to credit adjustments, a new accounting policy effective from the year's end will require over 30,000 Swedish housing associations to transition from K2 to K3 accounting standards. This shift will enhance transparency by detailing property components and their depreciation. Deloitte expert Eva Törning highlighted that the K3 standard will assist housing boards in clearly communicating financial obligations for maintenance to residents, though concerns remain regarding many associations’ preparedness for the change.