Table of Contents:
The current credit environment in Italy
During 2024, the Italian credit market showed signs of growth, with loans to families increasing by 7.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. This positive trend was supported by a significant increase in personal loans, which registered an 11.2% growth, consolidating the recovery that began at the end of 2023. The European Central Bank (ECB) has continued to lower interest rates, creating a favorable environment for access to credit.
Credit driving sectors
Loans aimed at the purchase of cars and motorcycles have contributed significantly to this growth, with an increase of 7.8%. This is in line with the trend of the used car and registration market. Even financing for the purchase of goods and services, such as furniture and electronics, has maintained stable volumes, thanks also to the “small ticket” loans that support eCommerce.
Installment transactions using credit cards saw a slight recovery, with an increase of 2.2%.
Mortgages and subrogations: a recovering market
Another significant aspect is represented by real estate loans, which have seen a 4.1% increase in disbursements. This was fueled by the recovery in mortgages for home purchases, which increased by 14.2% in the third quarter. Subrogation transactions, which allow borrowers to transfer their mortgage on more advantageous terms, showed a significant growth trend, with an increase of 59.1% in the first nine months of the
year.
Future prospects for credit in Italy
Looking to the future, the prospects for 2025 look promising. The real estate market is expected to improve and mortgage flows for the purchase of homes will continue to grow. However, the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, influenced by fiscal policies and global geopolitical tensions. CRIF experts warn that credit quality will be a priority, with the implementation of new guidelines that will require a more rigorous assessment of creditworthiness. Despite these challenges, the recovery of purchasing power and the reduction of interest rates by the ECB could encourage further recourse to credit by Italian families.
