Recent statistics from the Bank of Estonia show a concerning trend in household financial health, as the volume and share of overdue loans have steadily increased over the past year. In January, the amount of loans overdue by more than 60 days reached €57 million, up from €47 million in the same month last year. This incremental rise in overdue loans may signal growing financial strain among Estonian households as payment challenges persist, particularly in the context of rising living costs and inflation.

At the same time, the number of new housing loans and the average loan amount has also increased, indicating that more households are seeking financing even while existing borrowers face difficulties. In the fourth quarter of 2025, a total of 4,216 new mortgage-backed housing loans were issued, with the average sum rising to €148,175—an increase of 9.7% year on year. The elongation of loan periods could suggest that borrowers are attempting to ease their monthly payment burdens; however, this also raises concerns about long-term debt sustainability as financial conditions tighten.

Additionally, while the total volume of deposits has grown, interest rates on time deposits have continued to decline, making it harder for savers to earn returns. The increase in the proportion of overdue loans, particularly in categories beyond housing, which rose from 2% to 2.5%, indicates that the financial struggles may reach beyond just mortgage debts. These economic indicators will necessitate close monitoring as households navigate a potentially challenging financial landscape moving forward.