The banking sector, through its Febelfin dome, responds to the government’s call and says it is ready to support both companies and individuals in the face of the continuous rise in energy prices.
For individuals, it will allow a general deferral of mortgage loan payments under conditions, from October 1, and for companies, it undertakes to “search with them for the most suitable tailor-made solution”, confirms Febelfin Thursday in a statement.
“The mortgage fee reimbursement freeze offered by banks will provide a real breath of fresh air to those who need it to get through the winter,” says Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
“Being able to count on our banks, as during the Covid period, is extremely valuable in this context.” “By reacting quickly, we have managed, as a sector, to draw up a set of measures in a very short time and to do everything possible so that they can enter into force from 1 October next”specifies the president of Febelfin, Johan Thijs.
He calls on “all economic actors in society” to examine “where they could, each in their own field, offer some form of support to families and businesses in difficulty and thus work together towards a sustainable future”.
Concretely, the deferral of payment of a mortgage implies, for eligible persons, that they will not have to make a capital repayment for 12 months. The interest will not remain against property due.
The duration of the credit will then be extended by the deferral period granted. The banks undertake not to charge the usual application or administrative fees.
To be able to benefit from it, the mortgage must have been contracted for the main place of residence of the borrowers in Belgium (at the time of the payment deferral request), the total movable assets on all the accounts (savings, sight and investment portfolio) must not exceed 10,000 euros.
The borrower applying for the deferral should notsee no payment deferral recorded as of March 1 and must benefit from a reimbursement plan in progress or requested from their energy supplier.
The payment deferral can be requested during the period from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 inclusive.