Mortgage forces 75% of Europeans to save: what they cut expenses on

About 75% of Europeans repaying mortgage loans had to cut their monthly expenses in 2025 to ensure payments on the loan. This refers to the average across 23 countries included in the European Housing Trends study by RE/MAX Europe. According to information from Euronews, the mortgage forces Europeans to cut back on luxury goods and travel, reports 'Glavcom'.

When cutting expenses, the first to go are entertainment options, such as going to the cinema and clubs (41%). Luxury goods are also affected by budget tightening, with 38% of borrowers either purchasing less or forgoing these items altogether.

The study also showed that vacation is the third most popular type of expense that Europeans decide to save on. The majority of respondents (29%) have at least once in their life refrained from buying new clothes.

In 25% of cases, borrowers did not have to reduce expenses according to the study in 23 countries. In countries like the Netherlands, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, people find it easier to cope than, for example, in Malta, Romania, Hungary, Ireland, and other states.

According to Luka Bertalo, Secretary General of the European Mortgage Federation, the availability of mortgages depends on the financial infrastructure of the country. The budgets in Germany and Spain are fixed at a rate, while in other countries they fluctuate.

Rising housing prices are prompting young people to view relationships as a financial strategy for purchasing their own homes. According to surveys by RE/MAX, many Europeans are willing to enter into relationships to share the financial burden and buy a home.