STOCKHOLM — Sweden has introduced changes to its mortgage rules aimed at making it easier for more people to enter the housing market while keeping key safeguards in place.

The reform, developed by the government and implemented by Finansinspektionen, took effect on 1 April 2026.

At the centre of the changes is a relaxation of Sweden’s amortisation requirements. The previous rule requiring extra repayments from highly indebted borrowers has been removed, lowering monthly costs for many households.

Until April 2026, borrowers whose mortgages exceeded 4.5 times their gross annual income were required to repay an additional 1% of their loan each year on top of standard amortisation. That requirement has now been scrapped.

However, the core structure of Sweden’s mortgage system remains unchanged. The national mortgage cap still limits borrowing to 85% of a property’s market value, meaning buyers must provide a minimum 15% deposit.

Standard amortisation rules based on loan-to-value ratios also remain in place. Loans above 70% of a property’s value must be repaid at 2% per year, loans between 50% and 70% require 1% annual repayment, and loans below 50% have no mandatory amortisation.

The reform also shifts the regulatory framework toward a clearer legal basis, moving mortgage requirements away from relying solely on regulatory guidance.

The government says the aim is to reduce barriers to home ownership and improve mobility in the housing market, which has long been considered difficult to access, particularly in major cities such as Stockholm.

Economists expect the change to increase borrowing capacity for many households and make it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market, although some analysts warn it could also contribute to rising housing demand.

The new rules came into force nationwide on 1 April 2026.