Economic pressures rise as mortgage costs and student debt climb

Economic indicators in Sweden and Finland show rising financial pressures for households. In Sweden, analyst Robert Skölin warns that mortgage costs could increase significantly. For a loan of three million SEK, monthly costs could rise by 2,500 SEK as the market anticipates interest rate hikes. While the Riksbank recently held the policy rate at 1.75 percent, market expectations suggest a climb toward 2.75 to 3 percent over the coming year, with potential increases starting as early as November.

In Finland, student debt has more than doubled over the last 15 years. According to the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (FPA), the average student debt has risen from approximately 5,000 euros in the 2010–2011 academic year to 12,700 euros in 2025. Debt collection officials warn that student loans are among the most common debts subject to seizure for individuals under 30. The FPA has also seen a sharp increase in the amount of debt it must repay to banks, rising from 31.4 million euros in 2022 to 112 million euros in 2024.