“Local banks are less strict than euro zone banks, for every loan category. 2011 could be the end of the cycle of lending terms tightening,” according to BNR analysis.
Banks have already eased consumer lending terms in the first quarter, while real estate lending terms have remained the same as those in place at the end of last year, despite lower interests and lower minimum down payment. The easing of consumer lending terms is the first such move made by banks in two and a half years.
The BNR survey is based on reports submitted by the ten key lenders on the local market. A third of them believe lending standards will become less strict, while the rest say they will keep the same standards as before.