Strong Rebound in Lending: Mortgage Loans Soar 46.3% in 2025
New loan disbursements in 2025 reflect a dynamic recovery, with mortgage lending returning to a robust upward trajectory, business financing continuing to strengthen, and consumer credit recording double-digit growth.
According to data from the Hellenic Bank Association, new mortgage loan disbursements increased 46.3% year-on-year, marking the start of a new growth cycle after roughly 15 years of contraction in this market. During 2025, approximately 45,000 households received a new mortgage loan, with total disbursements reaching €2.649 billion, up from €1.810 billion in 2024, when 26,832 mortgages were issued. The government-backed “SPITI MOU II” program also contributed significantly, facilitating 7,657 new mortgage loans totaling €831 million.
Banking executives note that the appointment system and customer service have become more efficient, while the time required to disburse new mortgages has improved significantly. This development is seen as particularly positive, despite increased workloads and ongoing challenges, mainly regarding property titles and legalizations, with the overall situation showing marked improvement compared to the previous year.
Growth in Financing for Small Businesses
Financing to small businesses—defined as companies with turnover up to €2.5 million and loan amounts up to €1 million—also followed an upward trend. Actual disbursements increased 10.5% year-on-year, reaching €2.509 billion in 2025, distributed across 38,912 small enterprises. In 2024, the corresponding disbursements totaled €2.270 billion, covering 36,392 loans, highlighting the ongoing and accelerated support of the real economy by the banking sector.
Double-Digit Increase in Consumer Credit
Consumer credit also showed a positive trend, rising 15.1% in 2025. Total disbursements amounted to €1.584 billion, with 432,474 new consumer loans granted over the year. For comparison, in 2024, 412,604 consumer loans totaling €1.376 billion were issued. According to available data, the majority of consumer loans are now executed digitally, either via internet banking or mobile banking, reflecting the gradual shift in consumer behavior and the growing role of digital channels.