Italian credit market grows as inflation spurs mortgage and consumer loan activity

Inflation in the euro area rose 3.8% year‑on‑year, prompting the European Central Bank to keep its policy rate at zero. In Italy, higher commodity costs have pushed up consumer prices, but mortgage rates remain low, with some fixed‑rate offers under 1% APR. Experts advise borrowers, especially under‑36s, to lock in fixed rates before further increases are likely.

Meanwhile, BCC CreditoConsumo reported a double‑digit expansion in 2025. Net loan book reached €2.22 billion, up 19.6%, while personal loans grew 15.1% to €696 million. Fifth‑salary and severance‑advance loans rose 18.5% to €268 million. The firm posted a net profit of €37.6 million. Growth was driven by digitalisation, paperless loan applications, and a partnership with Pitagora, which together have financed over €1 billion. The company forecasts a further 7% rise in loan production and a 12% increase in salary‑assignment loans for the first half of 2026.