Feb 12 • 19:01 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

A bank reactivates its UVA mortgage loans with higher rates than those it had before suspending them

An Argentine bank has resumed its UVA mortgage lending after a four-month halt, raising interest rates compared to previous levels.

A prominent bank in Argentina has decided to reactivate its UVA mortgage loans after more than four months of inactivity, introducing higher interest rates than those in place prior to their suspension. This comes amid a backdrop of uncertainty in the real estate market regarding the future of these specific mortgage loans, which are indexed to the value of a purchasing unit (UVA). Following a recent set of elections in October 2023, five banks have adjusted their rates upwards, reflecting a cautious approach in the face of changing economic conditions. The UVA mortgage loans were significantly beneficial for the real estate market, particularly toward the end of 2024 and throughout 2025, providing an essential financing option that encouraged housing purchases. However, towards the end of 2025, a noticeable cooling effect emerged in the market attributed to banks tightening their qualification criteria for these loans, which subsequently impacted transaction levels. Despite the recent downturn, experts remain optimistic, noting that 2025 was characterized as a "very good year," with market activity nearing expectations, underlining resilience in the sector. As the bank reintroduces these UVA credits, the implications for potential homeowners and the overall real estate sector could be significant, especially in a post-election climate where economic policies are still taking shape. With banks adapting to what they perceive as a new economic reality, how these interest rate changes will affect homebuyers' accessibility to funds—and the subsequent housing market—remains to be seen. The development may re-energize activity in the mortgage sector but also raises questions about affordability for potential buyers under the new rate structure.

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