Today, the discussion focused on the processing of the credit holidays bill, a project that affects more than a million people awaiting decisions. The minister indicated a clear intent to keep the bill moving and urged swift action from the legislative leadership so that borrowing holidays could begin at the start of the year.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that the draft amendment to the law on credit holidays for 2024, which was re-adopted by the Council of Ministers, had been sent to the Sejm. He also pressed the Speaker of the Sejm to handle the matter efficiently.
Buda: a direct conversation with the Marshal about the credit holiday initiative
In the PAP Studio, Waldemar Buda was asked whether the Sejm Chair Szymon Hołownia’s remark about ending the parliamentary freezing is a constructive change. He answered affirmatively, stressing personal concern for the issue. He added that his ministry had prepared a law on credit holidays and that it should be considered in the next session so that the holidays could apply from January 1.
– the minister said.
More than a million people are waiting for decisions. Today he planned to persuade the Marshal not to shelve the bill but to bring it to the Sejm for debate without delay.
Buda underscored that he would request a meeting with the Sejm chair on Friday and seek to place the loan holiday project on the Sejm’s agenda for debate next Tuesday. He also reminded followers of the plan on social media.
Is the so-called freezer truly disappearing?
There seems to be no parliamentary freezer in reality. I say I check, I confirm, I report—
– noted the head of the Ministry of Energy and Technology on the X platform.
Szymon Hołownia, elected as Speaker at the opening of the tenth term, has repeatedly warned against the long dormancy of bills. The Speaker, along with partners from the Civic Coalition, Third Way, and the Left, has stated that all proposals submitted to the Sejm should be processed without unnecessary delay.
Proposed changes to holiday credits
The government proposes that loan exemptions would continue in 2024. Under the plan, suspending loan repayments next year would follow the same conditions as this year, but eligibility would be more tightly defined according to current rules.
The measure would apply to borrowers whose loan principal did not exceed PLN 400,000. PLN 400,000 and below would be eligible for suspension of repayments.
– the proposal stated. If the loan principal is between PLN 400,000 and PLN 800,000, a suspension could still be possible, with the caveat that the borrower’s costs for repaying the loan would exceed 50 percent of household income. Applicants must consider the average monthly income for the three months prior to applying.
What about the safe 2% loans?
The minister was asked about the current interest in the secure 2% loan program. He acknowledged that more than 80,000 applications have been submitted and more than 30,000 loans granted, but noted a gradual decline in weekly applications as the year ends.
He observed a downward trend in applications in the final weeks and suggested that the target might be reached now, with many applicants waiting until year-end. He added that funds are allocated to continue the program and mentioned plans for a 0% option in the near future as discussions progress.
The coalition has suggested that a 0% loan could be launched within 100 days under favorable political conditions. If a new government forms and succeeds, the timeline would place the 0% loan availability around early March, with funding expected to cover that period.
Who benefits from the program?
The State Support for Housing Savings Act, effective since July, established a “Secure Loan” with a state subsidy for repayments and a housing savings account that could receive a state bonus. Until December 31, 2027, banks that enter an agreement with BGK will offer the product as part of their portfolio.
Under the Secure Loan, the loan to purchase a first home may not exceed PLN 500,000, or PLN 600,000 if the borrower is partnered or has at least one child. The personal contribution limit is PLN 200,000. If there is no personal contribution, or if it is incomplete, BGK guarantees can be used.
The subsidy applies for a 10-year period. During the subsidy period, the borrower’s interest rate is set at 2 percent plus the bank’s margin, with other charges possible. If the borrower sells the apartment, rents it out, or buys another property during the subsidy period, eligibility ends and any received aid must be repaid.