Compared to last year, the number of mortgage applications intended for refinancing rose by 91%. The strongest increase occurs among people over 55 (+104%), De Hypotheker reported on Wednesday. In the previous quarter, mortgage interest rates appeared to be rising again.
The advisory chain attributes the relatively strong increase in refinancing among the elderly to the lack of suitable senior housing: “As a result, people are much more likely to opt for refinancing the mortgage instead of buying a new home.”
Meanwhile, the housing market remains violently overheated, according to figures from De Hypotheker. The enormous price increase is offset by a lower number of home sales and fewer mortgage applications for a purchase. The number of mortgage applications for the purchase of a home fell by 15% in the fourth quarter of last year compared to the same period in 2020, according to the chain.
In the northern provinces in particular, many mortgage applications were intended for refinancing. In Drenthe there was a plus of 204%, in Friesland it was +159%. Nearly one in five mortgage applications is intended to improve their own home.
flow
According to director Michel van den Akker of De Hypotheker, the new Minister of Housing should invest ‘full’ on the construction of life-resistant homes in addition to building starter homes. “Only in this way can the flow of people also get going for other age groups and younger generations also have the prospect of an affordable home.”