SLOVAKIA leads the EU in mortgage loan growth, according to a report published by the European Central Bank, the Pravda daily reported.
Over the last four years, mortgages in Slovakia have grown by 150 percent annually compared to the average annual growth rate which is just below 9 percent.
Experts attribute the boom to the fact that mortgages are more accessible to the general public and are offered at favourable interest rates - currently below 5 percent.
The report notes, however, that "starting level of mortgage loans in the new EU- member states is very low".
While the overall volume of mortgage loans in the EU reaches about 40 percent of gross domestic product, despite the growth in Slovakia, it is still just at 5 percent.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The
Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
presented in its Flash News postings.
14. Oct 2005 at 11:41
