Polish homebuyers rush to fixed‑rate mortgages amid price‑rise fears

A survey commissioned by real‑estate portal Otodom shows that more than half of Polish mortgage applicants now prefer fixed‑rate loans. Over 50 % chose a period‑ically fixed rate and another 22 % opted for a fixed rate lasting longer than five years, while only 22 % still select a variable rate linked to the WIBOR index. The shift is driven by “now or never” anxiety: 60 % of respondents say the main reason to apply for a mortgage is fear of further rises in property prices, followed by family growth and income increases. The backlash reflects memories of recent rapid interest‑rate hikes after the pandemic and the legacy of “frank‑loan trauma” from costly Swiss‑franc mortgage contracts, which still influence borrowers’ risk aversion. Experts note that the Polish Monetary Policy Council may keep rates stable for now but could raise them again if inflation spikes, reinforcing the urgency felt by many prospective buyers.