Mortgage interest rates in Spain soared in 2022, after falling below *** percent at the end of 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the average weighted interest rate stood at **** percent. That was lower than the rate in the same period the previous year. Despite the increase, Spain had a considerably lower mortgage interest rate than many other European countries. The aftermath of the property bubble Before the bursting of the real estate bubble, the housing market experienced a period of intense activity. A context marked by economic growth, high employment rate, low interest rates, skyrocketing house prices and land speculation, among others, encourage massive lending for the acquisition of property; in 2005 alone, more than *** million home mortgages were granted in Spain. When the bubble burst and the financial crisis hit the country, residential real estate transactions plummeted and households’ non-performing loans jumped to nearly ** billion euros as countless families were not able to cope with their debts. Over a decade after the onset of the crisis, and despite falling mortgage rates, the volume of mortgage loans keeps decreasing every year. A homeowner country Traditionally, Spain has been a country of homeowners; in 2021, the homeownership rate was roughly ** percent. While nearly half of Spanish households own their property with no outstanding payment, the percentage of households that have loan or mortgage pending has been decreasing in recent years. Despite ownership remaining as the preferred tenure option, cultural changes, job insecurity and mounting house prices are prompting Spaniards to opt more and more to become tenants instead of owners, as shown in the changing dynamics of the Spanish residential rental market.

The average mortgage interest rate in Spain followed a downward trend for almost a decade before increasing dramatically in 2022. In 2024, new housing loans had an average interest rate of *** percent — about double the interest rate in 2020. Mortgages with a five- to 10-year term had a slightly lower interest rate, making them the most affordable option. Why did mortgage rates spike? Macroeconomic factors, such as inflation, economic growth, and fiscal policy, play a major role in determining the cost of a loan. Inflation in Europe started rising in late 2021, largely due to surging energy costs. In Spain, the annual change of the consumer price index peaked at almost ** percent in July 2023. The European Central Bank has responded by introducing a series of hikes on the key interest rates (main refinancing operations, marginal lending facility, and deposit facility), which have affected lending rates across the European Union. How has the housing market reacted to the interest rate hike? The housing market follows a certain seasonality, with more home sales in the second and fourth quarters of the year. This was also the case in 2022, but the last quarter of the year saw an annual decline. Though compared to previous years, the number of transactions was one of the highest, the annual decrease shows a potential downturn.

Key information about Spain Long Term Interest Rate

• Spain Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Spain: ECB Harmonised was reported at 3.10 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 3.17 % pa in the previous month.
• Spain Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Nov 1991 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 13.00 % pa in Oct 1992 and a record low of 0.04 % pa in Dec 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.

• In the latest reports, Spain Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 2.90 % pa in Feb 2025.
• Spain Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

The average mortgage interest rate decreased in nearly every country in Europe between 2012 and 2021, followed by an increase in response to inflation. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Poland, Hungary, and Romania topped the ranking as the countries with the highest mortgage interest rates in Europe. Conversely, Belgium, Spain, and Italy displayed the lowest interest rates. The UK, which is the country with the largest value of mortgages outstanding, had an interest rate of **** percent.

The annual average interest rate on new residential loans in Spain continued to rise in 2023, after increasing in for the first time in 2022 following a decade long period of year-on-year decrease. In 2023, the average mortgage rate was **** percent, up from **** percent in 2021.

Mortgage credit interest rate, percent in Spain, March, 2025 The most recent value is 3.13 percent as of March 2025, a decline compared to the previous value of 3.2 percent. Historically, the average for Spain from January 2003 to March 2025 is 2.73 percent. The minimum of 1.1 percent was recorded in August 2021, while the maximum of 5.72 percent was reached in November 2008. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

This dataset provides values for INTEREST RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

This table provides monthly and annual data, since 1999, on the official mortgage market reference interest rates applied in Spain. The information refers only to Spain as a member of the euro zone, so the reference rates are those applied by the European Central Bank for the entire eurosystem and by the Bank of Spain for the entire Spanish national territory. Annual data represent the monthly average for the year as a whole.

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands increased sharply in 2022 and 2023, after declining gradually between 2008 and 2021. In December 2021, the average interest rate for new mortgage loans stood at **** percent, and by the end of 2023, it had risen to **** percent. In May 2025, mortgage rates decreased slightly, falling to **** percent on average. Mortgages with a 10-year fixed rate were the most affordable, at **** percent. Are mortgage rates in the Netherlands different from those in other European countries? When comparing this ranking to data that covers multiple European countries, the Netherlands’ mortgage rate was similar to the rates found in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. It was, however, a lot lower than the rates in Eastern Europe. Hungary and Romania, for example, had some of the highest mortgage rates. For more information on the European mortgage market and how much the countries differ from each other, please visit this dedicated research page. How big is the mortgage market in the Netherlands? The Netherlands has overall seen an increase in the number of mortgage loans sold and is regarded as one of the countries with the highest mortgage debt in Europe. The reason behind this is that Dutch homeowners were able to for many years to deduct interest paid from pre-tax income (a system known in the Netherlands as hypotheekrenteaftrek). Total mortgage debt of Dutch households has been increasing year-on-year since 2013.

Bank Lending Rate in Spain decreased to 2.18 percent in June from 2.92 percent in May of 2025. This dataset provides - Spain Bank Rate on Loans to Non Financial Corporations - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Mortgage credit interest rate, percent in Espagne, mars, 2025 Pour cet indicateur, Bank of Spain fournit des données pour la Espagne de janvier 2003 à mars 2025. La valeur moyenne pour Espagne pendant cette période était de 2.73 pour cent avec un minimum de 1.1 pour cent en août 2021 et un maximum de 5.72 pour cent en novembre 2008. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

In 2023, the average mortgage rates in European countries varied from *** percent in Bulgaria to over eight percent in Hungary. The mortgage rate for a home purchase is decided depending on the individual situation of the homebuyer, their credit history, and income, but they also follow macro determinants including the base lending rate, inflation, economic growth, and the health of the housing market. Starts, completions and prices The supply of new housing varies in different countries in Europe. In 2023, the number of new housing units completed per 1,000 citizens was between *** and seven, with this number varying greatly in different countries. Ireland and Poland were among the countries with most completed housing units. When it comes to housing starts, Ireland tops the ranking. The average transaction price of a new dwelling in 2023 ranged anywhere from roughly ***** euros per square meter to under ***** euros per square meter. Housing stock As the most populous country in Europe, Germany has the largest housing stock. Comparing the number of housing units per 1,000 citizens is an easy way to identify housing shortages. In Greece and the UK, for example, the number of dwellings per 1,000 citizens measured less than ***, compared to Bulgaria and Spain, where it was around ***.

Companies operating in the third-party real estate industry have had to navigate numerous economic headwinds in recent years, notably rising interest rates, spiralling inflation and muted economic growth. Revenue is projected to sink at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025, including an estimated jump of 1.2% in 2025 to €207.6 billion, while the average industry profit margin is forecast to reach 35.1%. Amid spiralling inflation, central banks across Europe ratcheted up interest rates, resulting in borrowing costs skyrocketing over the two years through 2023. In residential markets, elevated mortgage rates combined with tightening credit conditions eventually ate into demand, inciting a drop in house prices. Rental markets performed well when house prices were elevated (2021-2023), being the cheaper alternative for cash-strapped buyers. However, even lessors felt the pinch of rising mortgage rates, forcing them to hoist rent prices to cover costs and pricing out potential buyers. This led to a slowdown in rental markets in 2023, weighing on revenue growth. However, this has started to turn around in 2025 as interest rates have been falling across Europe in the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs for buyers and boosting property transactions. This has helped revenue to rebound slightly in 2025 as estate agents earn commission from property transactions. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2030 to €249.5 billion. Housing prices are recovering in 2025 as fixed-rate mortgages begin to drop and economic uncertainty subsides, aiding revenue growth in the short term. Over the coming years, PropTech—technology-driven innovations designed to improve and streamline the real estate industry—will force estate agents to adapt, shaking up the traditional real estate sector. A notable application of PropTech is the use of AI and data analytics to predict a home’s future value and speed up the process of retrofitting properties to become more sustainable.

The United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the countries with the largest mortgage markets in Europe in 2024, when considering the value of loans outstanding. In the fourth quarter of the year, the UK had nearly *** billion euros worth of mortgages outstanding. Other countries with large mortgage markets included the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Italy - all exceeding *** billion euros. One of the main drivers of mortgage activity is the cost of borrowing. In 2022, interest rates increased dramatically across Europe. Ireland, and Germany remained among the few countries with an average interest rate under four percent.

The Spanish residential real estate market, valued at €166.01 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.90% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. Increased tourism and immigration are boosting demand, particularly in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. A growing younger population and a shift towards urban living further contribute to the market's dynamism. Government initiatives aimed at improving housing affordability and infrastructure development also play a significant role. However, challenges remain. Rising construction costs and limited land availability in prime locations could constrain supply. Furthermore, fluctuations in mortgage interest rates and broader economic uncertainty pose potential risks to market stability. The market is segmented by property type (apartments and condominiums, villas and landed houses) and key cities. Major players like MetroVacesa, Neinor Homes, AEDAS Homes, and Via Celere are shaping the competitive landscape, demonstrating both the consolidation and dynamism within the sector. The forecast for the Spanish residential real estate sector indicates continued growth, albeit potentially at a moderated pace in the later years of the forecast period. While the strong growth drivers are expected to remain, the influence of external factors like global economic conditions and potential regulatory changes should be considered. The segmentation analysis highlights the differing dynamics across property types and geographic locations. Areas like Madrid and Barcelona, with their strong economies and established infrastructure, are likely to continue attracting significant investment and showing higher growth rates compared to other regions. Analyzing these trends allows for a deeper understanding of investment opportunities and potential risks within specific segments of the market. Continuous monitoring of economic indicators, government policies, and consumer preferences is crucial for navigating this evolving landscape. Recent developments include: October 2022: A build-to-rent (BTR) cooperation between Layetana Living and Aviva Investors was established in Spain. According to the statement, the collaboration between Aviva and the Spanish developer Layetana will construct a more than EUR 500 million (USD 531.20 Million) residential portfolio, already securing its first development project. Based on the recommendation of international real estate consultancy Knight Frank, the partnership purchased a 71-unit residential building in Barcelona's Sants neighborhood. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2023., September 2022: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a global residential real estate brokerage franchise network, expanded its services in the Valencian Community. It is now running with Maryana Kim directing a new office in Denia, in the northern section of the Costa Blanca. It is the fourth facility that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Spain opened in 2022.. Notable trends are: Rise in International Property Buyers in Spain.

The mortgage prevalence among homeowners in Europe varied widely across different countries in 2023. About ** percent of the total population in Norway was a homeowner, with ** percent paying out a mortgage loan. Conversely, only *** percent of households in Romania had a mortgage, with nearly ** percent being homeowners. Meanwhile, an average of ** percent of the total population within the EU-27 was an owner-occupant with a mortgage or housing loan. Homeownership depends on multiple factors, such as housing policy, the macroeconomic situation, the state of the housing sector, and the availability of finance. Countries with more developed mortgage markets tend to have lower mortgage interest rates.

The Direct Real Estate Activities industry have come up against numerous headwinds in recent years, ranging from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 to the high base rate environment in the years since, which has inflated borrowing costs for potential buyers. This is a sharp contrast to the ultra-low interest environment seen over the decade following the 2008 financial crisis. Still, revenue is forecast to edge upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025 to €622.9 billion, including an anticipated rise of 0.8% in 2025. Despite weak revenue growth, profitability remains strong, with the average industry profit margin standing at an estimated 18.9% in 2025. Central banks across Europe adopted aggressive monetary policy in the two years through 2023 in an effort to curb spiralling inflation. This ratcheted up borrowing costs and hit the real estate sector. In the residential property market, mortgage rates picked up and hit housing transaction levels. However, the level of mortgage rate hikes has varied across Europe, with the UK experiencing the largest rise, meaning the dent to UK real estate demand was more pronounced. Commercial real estate has also struggled due to inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and rising rates. Alongside this, the market’s stock of office space isn’t able to satisfy business demand, with companies placing a greater emphasis on high-quality space and environmental impact. Properties in many areas haven't been suitable due to their lack of green credentials. Nevertheless, things are looking up, as interest rates have been falling across Europe over the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs and boosting the number of property transactions, which is aiding revenue growth for estate agents. Revenue is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2030 to €777.6 billion. Economic conditions are set to improve in the short term, which will boost consumer and business confidence, ramping up the number of property transactions in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. However, estate agents may look to adjust their offerings to align with the data centre boom to soak up the demand from this market, while also adhering to sustainability commitments.

Companies operating in the third-party real estate industry have had to navigate numerous economic headwinds in recent years, notably rising interest rates, spiralling inflation and muted economic growth. Revenue is projected to sink at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025, including an estimated jump of 1.2% in 2025 to €207.6 billion, while the average industry profit margin is forecast to reach 35.1%. Amid spiralling inflation, central banks across Europe ratcheted up interest rates, resulting in borrowing costs skyrocketing over the two years through 2023. In residential markets, elevated mortgage rates combined with tightening credit conditions eventually ate into demand, inciting a drop in house prices. Rental markets performed well when house prices were elevated (2021-2023), being the cheaper alternative for cash-strapped buyers. However, even lessors felt the pinch of rising mortgage rates, forcing them to hoist rent prices to cover costs and pricing out potential buyers. This led to a slowdown in rental markets in 2023, weighing on revenue growth. However, this has started to turn around in 2025 as interest rates have been falling across Europe in the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs for buyers and boosting property transactions. This has helped revenue to rebound slightly in 2025 as estate agents earn commission from property transactions. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2030 to €249.5 billion. Housing prices are recovering in 2025 as fixed-rate mortgages begin to drop and economic uncertainty subsides, aiding revenue growth in the short term. Over the coming years, PropTech—technology-driven innovations designed to improve and streamline the real estate industry—will force estate agents to adapt, shaking up the traditional real estate sector. A notable application of PropTech is the use of AI and data analytics to predict a home’s future value and speed up the process of retrofitting properties to become more sustainable.

House prices in the UK rose dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, with growth slowing down in 2022 and turning negative in 2023. The year-on-year annual house price change peaked at 14 percent in July 2022. In April 2025, house prices increased by 3.5 percent. As of late 2024, the average house price was close to 290,000 British pounds. Correction in housing prices: a European phenomenon The trend of a growing residential real estate market was not exclusive to the UK during the pandemic. Likewise, many European countries experienced falling prices in 2023. When comparing residential property RHPI (price index in real terms, e.g. corrected for inflation), countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain also saw prices decline. Sweden, one of the countries with the fastest growing residential markets, saw one of the largest declines in prices. How has demand for UK housing changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus? The easing of the lockdown was followed by a dramatic increase in home sales. In November 2020, the number of mortgage approvals reached an all-time high of over 107,000. One of the reasons for the housing boom were the low mortgage rates, allowing home buyers to take out a loan with an interest rate as low as 2.5 percent. That changed as the Bank of England started to raise the base lending rate, resulting in higher borrowing costs and a decline in homebuyer sentiment.