Central bank raises alarm as real estate non-performing loans surge

In the first half of 2023, outstanding balances of real estate loans increased by 17.41%, surpassing the 10.73% growth rate observed throughout 2022. However, real estate consumer loans, constituting 65% of total real estate credit, experienced a decline of 1.12%. Given its substantial share within the economic credit structure, the decline in real estate loans is linked to sluggish credit growth. Recent credit growth rates for the economy were recorded at 3.03% in April, 3.27% in May, and 4.73% in June. It is evident that credit growth decelerated and even turned negative in July, following a positive recovery surge in June.