Family Mortgage 2026: New Rules and Buying Strategies
Over the past 8 years, the family mortgage has become a key tool for supporting Russian families and one of the drivers of the development of the country«s entire developer market. From 1 February 2026, new rules come into effect aimed at making the mechanism more targeted and transparent.
The main changes, effective from February 2026, concern the principles of loan issuance. The rule «one family — one preferential mortgage» is introduced, according to which spouses become mandatory co-borrowers. This is done to eliminate the practice of obtaining multiple preferential loans. Simultaneously, the so-called «donor mortgage» scheme, where loans were arranged through relatives, is completely abolished. The new rules also stipulate that obligations under an existing mortgage remain with both spouses even in case of divorce.
— For the new-build market, these changes mean a shift towards more conscious and responsible demand. Overall, this trend has been observed for several years, but amendments to the preferential program, which accounts for up to 80% of sales, will significantly accelerate it. Families will more thoroughly assess their long-term financial capabilities and the reliability of the chosen project. In the new conditions, clients are increasingly guided by confidence in the developer, who guarantees the safety of their investments and provides a comfortable living environment, — shared Darya Tolpinskaya, head of customer service at SK10.
In the new conditions, competent financial planning becomes especially important. Experts advise that when calculating the budget for purchasing housing, one should consider not only the monthly loan payment but also all associated expenses that are often underestimated: insurance, notary services, fees, future repair costs, and others. When choosing the loan term, key factors include not only the payment amount but also the strategy for early repayment. A longer term reduces the monthly burden but increases the total overpayment, which, in turn, can be reduced through early payments. Therefore, it is important to study the early repayment conditions at a specific bank in advance, paying attention precisely to the possibility of reducing the loan term.
Despite all the changes, investing in quality real estate from a reputable developer remains one of the most reliable and promising solutions for preserving and growing family capital. In the future, further development of the program may involve a shift to differentiated rates depending on the number of children, which would make it less attractive for families with 1 or 2 children. However, in any case, the value and cost of modern housing will only increase, emphasizing the importance of choosing a property with well-thought-out infrastructure and a stable developer reputation.
