If I had earned one zloty for every time someone asked, “Will it be easier to get a mortgage in 2026?”, I’d probably have already paid off my own. Since I haven’t, the answer is the classic one: it depends. But don’t worry. Let’s break it all down step by step.
This article is for you if you:
- are planning a mortgage in 2025 or 2026
- are wondering whether it’s better to wait or act now
- want to know what may actually change and what’s just media noise
No fluff. No crystal ball predictions. Just the facts.
Mortgages in 2026. Why does this year raise so many emotions?
Because 2026 is the point where several major factors come together:
- interest rate policy
- regulatory changes introduced by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)
- potential new housing support programs
- the economic situation after a few very intense years
Each of these has a real impact on:
- whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage
- how much you can borrow
- and on what terms
Interest rates in 2026. Will mortgage payments finally ease?
This is the key issue.
What’s the most likely scenario?
The baseline scenario most analysts are currently considering:
- gradual stabilization of interest rates
- no sharp increases
- possible small cuts, but no miracles
What does this mean in practice?
- mortgage payments are unlikely to skyrocket
- creditworthiness calculations should become less restrictive
- banks may take a more flexible approach to new borrowers
That said, don’t expect a return to 2020-level payments. That chapter is closed.
Creditworthiness in 2026. Easier, but not “easy”
If there’s one change most clients are hoping for, it’s improved creditworthiness.
What may change?
- a more realistic approach to living costs
- smaller safety buffers in installment calculations
- more flexibility for borrowers with stable income
But let’s be clear. This won’t be a free-for-all.
In 2026, banks will still focus on:
- type of employment
- income stability
- credit history
- lack of unnecessary or “junk” liabilities
So the rules stay the same, just applied a bit more gently than in 2022–2024.
Down payment. Will 20% still be the standard?
Short answer: yes, but…
What likely won’t change
- banks will still prefer a 20% down payment
- the higher the down payment, the better the terms
What may change
- wider availability of mortgages with a 10% down payment
- more alternatives such as guarantees, additional collateral, or support programs
In practice, having no full down payment is still manageable, but it requires a solid plan and a smart strategy.
New housing programs in 2026. Real help or just marketing?
This topic keeps coming back like a boomerang.
What can we realistically expect?
- targeted programs rather than mass solutions
- support aimed at specific groups, such as young people or families
- stronger focus on real repayment ability, not just formal eligibility
If you’re expecting a “free mortgage for everyone”, this probably isn’t it.
But if you’re well prepared, a program like this can be real support, not just a media headline.
Bank margins and mortgage offers in 2026. Where the real differences will be
In 2026, competition between banks should become visible again.
This means:
- wider differences in margins
- better offers for clients with strong credit histories
- more room for negotiation and fewer rigid pricing tables
And one important thing: the best offer is rarely the one from an advertisement.
Over 25–30 years, differences in total loan cost can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of zlotys.
Mortgage in 2026. Wait or act earlier?
I hear this question almost every day.
My answer is always the same:
The best time to take out a mortgage is when you’re properly prepared.
Not when “rates are supposed to fall”.
Not when “something was announced on TV”.
But when:
- your finances are in order
- you know your real borrowing capacity
- you understand what you can improve before applying
How to prepare for a mortgage in 2026?
If you want to enter 2026 with an advantage, focus on three things:
- Check your creditworthiness now, even roughly
- Clean up your liabilities, cards, limits, and “just in case” installments
- Plan a strategy, not just an application
It really makes a difference.
Summary. What to remember about mortgages in 2026?
- no revolution, but more stability
- creditworthiness may improve
- banks will return to real competition
- well-prepared borrowers will gain the most
And if you want to know what your situation looks like specifically, not “on average”, it’s best to talk numbers, not headlines.
👉 Check out more articles on the Expert Financial blog or get in touch if you want to go through this calmly and with a plan.