ECB rate in December: what does it mean for buyers?

BNB Governor Dimitar Radev said at the OMFIF forum in Sofia on 3 November 2026 that a further ECB rate rise may be needed in December if inflation pressure persists. He called the October pause appropriate, but said it did not mean tightening had ended. Euro area inflation was 3.8 per cent in September. Bulgarian banks are well capitalised and liquid, he said, but fast mortgage growth calls for vigilance. For buyers with financing this means: if the ECB rate rises, mortgage rates follow and the instalment on a variable-rate loan grows. Cash buyers are not affected. Note that a rise is so far only possible, not decided. Anyone taking a loan should run offers through a one percentage point rate rise before signing. Source: BTA.