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Mortgage loans: banks are cracking down and lowering rates to less than 10% - La Nacion Propiedades
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www.lanacion.com.ar
March 23, 2026
After closing 2025 with rising interest rates, some banks started the year with changes that benefit those looking to buy property.
By Candela Contreras
Several banks began to modify the conditions of their mortgage loans, with lower rates and less strict requirements.Archive
For millions of Argentinians, buying a home is not only one of the most important financial decisions in their lives , but the dream of owning a home still depends on a single word, which tends to appear and disappear in different periods of the country: the mortgage loan .
When banks lend, the market picks up . When they tighten lending conditions, transactions are limited to those who can pay in cash.
Although UVA mortgage loans returned to the market in 2024 , after a hiatus of almost five years, since mid-2025 the interest rates of bank loans rose sharply —above 10%—, directly impacting the pockets of potential borrowers.
The average nominal interest rate offered on UVA loans is currently over 12% for those without a payroll account, and between 9% and 11% for preferred clients. The key point is that the average interest rate for those without a payroll account has been rising since November 2024, but the rate for those who receive their salary through certain institutions has been decreasing in 2026 .
And, in recent months, something began to change : several entities began to modify their conditions, with lower rates and less strict requirements.
“ Banks aren’t competing with each other; they’re reversing last year’s upward trend ,” explains Federico González Rouco. According to the specialist, the turning point was the October elections, where the ruling party fared well, marking the beginning of a macroeconomic stabilization process that is now starting to translate into increased lending .
“The rate hike process lasted a year. The rate cuts will probably also take months. But we'll continue to hear news of banks cutting rates,” he anticipates. However, he cautions: how much they lend is one thing, and at what rate is another. “I don't foresee a volume boom this year, but I do expect cheaper loans.”
Behind this change lies a key factor: the cost of funding . “Today it’s cheaper. Last year was the anomaly, with rates out of sync due to volatility. The drop in country risk after October 2025—which is currently around 600 points—has improved conditions and is slowly opening access to the capital markets,” he explains.
This new scenario is beginning to be reflected in the numbers . Interest rates rose above 10%, a situation that dampened demand, and in February 2026—the latest data available—only US$151 million was granted: the lowest level since September 2024 and 25% less year-on-year, with a 13% drop in the first two months of the year, according to Empiria based on data from the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA). But in recent weeks, signs of relief have appeared .
Moreover, it was revealed this Friday that a private bank lowered its interest rate again and is now the lowest in the market.
Some banks are lowering their interest rates, allowing greater access for those who need a loan to buy a home.Freepik
The bank set a preferential rate of 6.9% + UVA for those who deposit their income, while for all other clients it stands at 9.9% . This breaks through the 7% floor and positions it as the most aggressive player in the private sector.
The loan program allows financing of up to 80% of the property value , with terms of up to 20 years . The minimum income requirement starts at $1.4 million and allows for combining the income of spouses or immediate family members to increase borrowing capacity.
“We are currently experiencing a period of greater macroeconomic stability , with improved inflation prospects. The drop in benchmark interest rates has reduced funding costs and allowed us to pass that benefit on to our clients,” María Jimena Loria y Alemani, Mortgage Loan Product Manager at the bank, explained to LA NACION .
The main difference with the new loan program lies in the interest rate. The City will subsidize two percentage points so that residents of Buenos Aires can access a rate of 7.5% + UVAs (Adjustable Units of Value), through the reallocation of funds from the City Housing Institute (IVC).
What's also changing is the qualification process: applicants can now provide up to one guarantor to increase their creditworthiness. This loan program is exclusively for first-time homebuyers and is open to both salaried employees who receive their paychecks or transfer them to Banco Ciudad, and self-employed individuals and freelancers who sign up for the bank's Growth Package.
Financing is available for up to 75% of the property value , granting a maximum of $100 million , in units of up to 80 m² covered whose market value does not exceed US$2800/m².
This week's announcement from Banco Ciudad with a subsidized interest rate to benefit the middle class of Buenos Aires
The down payment on the loan cannot exceed 25% of household income . For example, those seeking the maximum loan amount of $100 million must demonstrate an income of at least $3,222,000 , with a down payment of $806,600. For every $10 million borrowed over a 20-year term, the down payment will be $80,600.
On the other hand, the Buenos Aires entity also lowered the rates of the loans that were already in force : for the southern zone and the microcenter it went from 9% to 8.5% and for the rest of CABA from 12.5% to 9.5%, both suitable for single and permanent occupancy housing , in addition to direct financing for developers and purchases from the plan.
Another piece of good news related to this entity is that it captured almost $100 billion from the local market through the placement of a bond structured in Purchasing Power Units (UVA), an operation designed to have available funding that allows it to continue offering housing credit.
With this issuance, the bank is in a position to offer, at least from this income , between 900 and 1000 new mortgage loans, a significant figure considering that last year it placed just under 700.
Another institution that opted for a reduction was Santander Bank , which lowered its rate from 15% to 9.5% . Furthermore, it modified other conditions of its mortgage line: it now finances up to 70% of the property value (previously 80%) and reduced the term from 30 years to 20 years.
For its part, Patagonia bank also reduced its interest rate, lowering it from 14% to 12.5% .
Industry sources consulted by LA NACION state that "this decrease is due to the market's improved liquidity ." This contrasts with what happened in the second half of 2025, when financial institutions raised their rates above 10%.
The drop in rates would be due to the market being in a better liquidity situation, contrary to what happened in the second half of 2025, when entities raised their rates above 10%.Daniel Basualdo
The entity presented its new “Mortgage Loan in Dollars” , designed for both the purchase of a first or second home only for its Selecta clients - with investments and/or balances equal to or greater than $4,700,000 - under differential market conditions: the loan is in dollars, the interest rate is fixed at 11.5%, the term is 60 months and the maximum to be lent is US$1,000,000 to finance up to 50% of the appraised value of the property .
The major problem with dollar-denominated loans was that, by law, banks could not issue loans in US currency. However, starting in February 2025, the Central Bank (BCRA) relaxed the regulations, allowing banks to grant dollar loans to individuals and companies that are not exporters, using their own funds or funds from the capital markets.
The entity, which leads the market with more than 24,000 mortgage loans granted through its “+ Homes with BNA” program, completed the first deed under this modality.
“This modernization is an unprecedented initiative in the country and a historic milestone for the Argentine financial system, allowing for the first time the comprehensive management of a mortgage loan digitally, enhancing accessibility and simplifying the user experience,” the bank announced.
Additionally, an exclusive option is being offered for those who need capital upfront before finalizing the sale of their current property . This is a personal loan in US dollars with a single payment plan for principal and interest at maturity (12 months) and a fixed annual nominal rate (TNA) of 9%.
While the signs are still “small” compared to the significant rate hike seen in 2025 , they offer some relief to the Argentine mortgage market. Analysts expect the sector to readjust in 2026, and this will depend largely on
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Source:
Créditos hipotecarios: los bancos arremeten y bajan las tasas a menos del 10%
Después de un cierre de 2025 con tasas de interés en aumento, algunos bancos empezaron el año con cambios que benefician a quienes quieren comprar una propiedad
www.lanacion.com.ar
March 23, 2026
After closing 2025 with rising interest rates, some banks started the year with changes that benefit those looking to buy property.
By Candela Contreras
Several banks began to modify the conditions of their mortgage loans, with lower rates and less strict requirements.Archive
For millions of Argentinians, buying a home is not only one of the most important financial decisions in their lives , but the dream of owning a home still depends on a single word, which tends to appear and disappear in different periods of the country: the mortgage loan .
When banks lend, the market picks up . When they tighten lending conditions, transactions are limited to those who can pay in cash.
Although UVA mortgage loans returned to the market in 2024 , after a hiatus of almost five years, since mid-2025 the interest rates of bank loans rose sharply —above 10%—, directly impacting the pockets of potential borrowers.
The average nominal interest rate offered on UVA loans is currently over 12% for those without a payroll account, and between 9% and 11% for preferred clients. The key point is that the average interest rate for those without a payroll account has been rising since November 2024, but the rate for those who receive their salary through certain institutions has been decreasing in 2026 .
And, in recent months, something began to change : several entities began to modify their conditions, with lower rates and less strict requirements.
“ Banks aren’t competing with each other; they’re reversing last year’s upward trend ,” explains Federico González Rouco. According to the specialist, the turning point was the October elections, where the ruling party fared well, marking the beginning of a macroeconomic stabilization process that is now starting to translate into increased lending .
“The rate hike process lasted a year. The rate cuts will probably also take months. But we'll continue to hear news of banks cutting rates,” he anticipates. However, he cautions: how much they lend is one thing, and at what rate is another. “I don't foresee a volume boom this year, but I do expect cheaper loans.”
Behind this change lies a key factor: the cost of funding . “Today it’s cheaper. Last year was the anomaly, with rates out of sync due to volatility. The drop in country risk after October 2025—which is currently around 600 points—has improved conditions and is slowly opening access to the capital markets,” he explains.
This new scenario is beginning to be reflected in the numbers . Interest rates rose above 10%, a situation that dampened demand, and in February 2026—the latest data available—only US$151 million was granted: the lowest level since September 2024 and 25% less year-on-year, with a 13% drop in the first two months of the year, according to Empiria based on data from the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA). But in recent weeks, signs of relief have appeared .
Moreover, it was revealed this Friday that a private bank lowered its interest rate again and is now the lowest in the market.
Some banks are lowering their interest rates, allowing greater access for those who need a loan to buy a home.Freepik
The bank that now has the lowest rate
The most significant development came from ICBC , which again cut its rate and now offers the lowest rate among private banks.The bank set a preferential rate of 6.9% + UVA for those who deposit their income, while for all other clients it stands at 9.9% . This breaks through the 7% floor and positions it as the most aggressive player in the private sector.
The loan program allows financing of up to 80% of the property value , with terms of up to 20 years . The minimum income requirement starts at $1.4 million and allows for combining the income of spouses or immediate family members to increase borrowing capacity.
“We are currently experiencing a period of greater macroeconomic stability , with improved inflation prospects. The drop in benchmark interest rates has reduced funding costs and allowed us to pass that benefit on to our clients,” María Jimena Loria y Alemani, Mortgage Loan Product Manager at the bank, explained to LA NACION .
Subsidized interest rates and funding for more loans
Meanwhile, the Buenos Aires government announced last Wednesday a new line of mortgage loans specifically designed for those who currently spend a large part of their salary on rent and are looking to make the leap to their first home.The main difference with the new loan program lies in the interest rate. The City will subsidize two percentage points so that residents of Buenos Aires can access a rate of 7.5% + UVAs (Adjustable Units of Value), through the reallocation of funds from the City Housing Institute (IVC).
What's also changing is the qualification process: applicants can now provide up to one guarantor to increase their creditworthiness. This loan program is exclusively for first-time homebuyers and is open to both salaried employees who receive their paychecks or transfer them to Banco Ciudad, and self-employed individuals and freelancers who sign up for the bank's Growth Package.
Financing is available for up to 75% of the property value , granting a maximum of $100 million , in units of up to 80 m² covered whose market value does not exceed US$2800/m².
This week's announcement from Banco Ciudad with a subsidized interest rate to benefit the middle class of Buenos Aires
The down payment on the loan cannot exceed 25% of household income . For example, those seeking the maximum loan amount of $100 million must demonstrate an income of at least $3,222,000 , with a down payment of $806,600. For every $10 million borrowed over a 20-year term, the down payment will be $80,600.
On the other hand, the Buenos Aires entity also lowered the rates of the loans that were already in force : for the southern zone and the microcenter it went from 9% to 8.5% and for the rest of CABA from 12.5% to 9.5%, both suitable for single and permanent occupancy housing , in addition to direct financing for developers and purchases from the plan.
Another piece of good news related to this entity is that it captured almost $100 billion from the local market through the placement of a bond structured in Purchasing Power Units (UVA), an operation designed to have available funding that allows it to continue offering housing credit.
With this issuance, the bank is in a position to offer, at least from this income , between 900 and 1000 new mortgage loans, a significant figure considering that last year it placed just under 700.
Other banks that lowered rates
BBVA , Santander, and Patagonia decided to lower their interest rates in recent months: the first change came from BBVA, which reduced its rate from 10.5% to 7.5% for those who receive their salary through the bank . Then it had more good news for its self-employed and registered business customers: it lowered the annual nominal rate (TNA) from 17% to 7.5% for independent workers .Another institution that opted for a reduction was Santander Bank , which lowered its rate from 15% to 9.5% . Furthermore, it modified other conditions of its mortgage line: it now finances up to 70% of the property value (previously 80%) and reduced the term from 30 years to 20 years.
For its part, Patagonia bank also reduced its interest rate, lowering it from 14% to 12.5% .
Industry sources consulted by LA NACION state that "this decrease is due to the market's improved liquidity ." This contrasts with what happened in the second half of 2025, when financial institutions raised their rates above 10%.
The drop in rates would be due to the market being in a better liquidity situation, contrary to what happened in the second half of 2025, when entities raised their rates above 10%.Daniel Basualdo
The bank that lends dollars
For its part, Banco Macro announced the launch of financial products in dollars, including mortgage loans, but for a specific group of clients.The entity presented its new “Mortgage Loan in Dollars” , designed for both the purchase of a first or second home only for its Selecta clients - with investments and/or balances equal to or greater than $4,700,000 - under differential market conditions: the loan is in dollars, the interest rate is fixed at 11.5%, the term is 60 months and the maximum to be lent is US$1,000,000 to finance up to 50% of the appraised value of the property .
The major problem with dollar-denominated loans was that, by law, banks could not issue loans in US currency. However, starting in February 2025, the Central Bank (BCRA) relaxed the regulations, allowing banks to grant dollar loans to individuals and companies that are not exporters, using their own funds or funds from the capital markets.
The first 100% digital mortgage
Another piece of news for the sector came from Banco Nación, which completed the country's first 100% digital mortgage in 30 days, a period significantly shorter than the average of 100 days that the traditional process usually takes.The entity, which leads the market with more than 24,000 mortgage loans granted through its “+ Homes with BNA” program, completed the first deed under this modality.
“This modernization is an unprecedented initiative in the country and a historic milestone for the Argentine financial system, allowing for the first time the comprehensive management of a mortgage loan digitally, enhancing accessibility and simplifying the user experience,” the bank announced.
Additionally, an exclusive option is being offered for those who need capital upfront before finalizing the sale of their current property . This is a personal loan in US dollars with a single payment plan for principal and interest at maturity (12 months) and a fixed annual nominal rate (TNA) of 9%.
While the signs are still “small” compared to the significant rate hike seen in 2025 , they offer some relief to the Argentine mortgage market. Analysts expect the sector to readjust in 2026, and this will depend largely on
www.buysellba.com
