Most people need to borrow money at some point in their lives either to pay for their first home or to cover unexpected expenses. It is important to familiarise yourself with the types of loans, loan terms and conditions.
Mortgage loans
- A mortgage loan is a loan by which the borrower pledges property as collateral to secure a loan. When granting a housing loan, the lender acquires a lien on the property.
- Housing loans are provided in different forms; the main forms are, among others, indexed loans, non-indexed loans and then either annuity loans or loans paid off in equal instalments.
- Carefully review the payment method and make sure it is realistic.
- Carefully explore which form of loan is suitable for each situation.
- It is important to seek advice before applying for a mortgage.
- Read the terms of the loan carefully before signing it.
- Act no. 118/2016 on Mortgage Lending to Consumers.
- Information on restrictions on mortgage loans and the rules set by the Central Bank regarding them
- The Consumer Agency supervises the Act on Mortgage Lending to Consumers.
- The Central Bank of Iceland grants operating licences to credit institutions and supervises their activity to ensure they are in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- The Central Bank of Iceland supervises to ensure that financial undertakings operate in accordance with rules no. 353/2022 on conduct of business, communications with customers and the handling of complaints.
- The Central Bank of Iceland receives comments from consumers if the practices of insurance companies are not in accordance with laws and regulations. You can submit a comment or query here.
- The Central Bank of Iceland refers people to information on its website about consumer remedies but also guides consumers in other respects about the options available to them to assert their rights. Procedures of the Financial Supervision Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland regarding queries and notifications can be accessed here.
Consumer loans
- Consumer loans are in most cases unsecured loans where no property is pledged as collateral against the debt.
- A consumer loan can, for example, be an overdraft, an instalment payment agreement, microloans, a bond or a car contract.
- Carefully review the terms of the loan before signing it.
- It is good to seek advice before applying for a loan.
- Carefully check the annual percentage cost rate before signing the loan.
- Act no. 33/2013 on Consumer Loans
- The Consumer Agency supervises the Act on Consumer Loans.
- The Central Bank of Iceland grants operating licences to credit institutions and ensures that their activities are in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- The Central Bank of Iceland supervises to ensure that financial undertakings and payment institutions operate in accordance with rules no. 353/2022 on conduct of business, communications with customers and the handling of complaints.
- The Central Bank of Iceland receives comments from consumers if the practices of insurance companies are not in accordance with laws and regulations. You can submit a comment or query here.
- The Central Bank of Iceland refers people to information on its website about consumer remedies but also guides consumers in other respects about the options available to them to assert their rights. Procedures of the Financial Supervision Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland regarding queries and notifications can be accessed here.
Microloans
- Microloans are short-term loans provided by special microloan companies.
- Bear very high interest rates and are therefore a very expensive option.
- No payment appraisal or mortgage is required when microloans are granted.
- Costs and interest are high.
- Many people find themselves in a vicious cycle where they cannot pay the loan on the due date and therefore take out a new microloan to pay the loan along with accrued interest and costs.
- Explore what loan options are available elsewhere with lower interest rates and costs.
- The Central Bank of Iceland does not supervise microloans or microloan companies.
- The Consumer Agency supervises consumer loans.