By Anna Grybel-Kloc

Below is a summary of the latest situation in the mortagge markets of our key markets - Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Poland.

In Poland, there is a continuation of the trend seen at the end of 2008. Banks are still strict in lending, especially in foreign currencies and apply a more careful screening process for applicants.

Daniel Podpora from redNet Finance says that recently some banks have very slowly started to ease their lending criteria, but it will take time before they go back to the level of lending they offered before October 2008.

Some banks have stopped financing foreigners, but there are still a few that lend to non-residents and offer good terms and conditions. However, the application process is still lengthy and fairly bureaucratic.

Currently, banks much prefer to finance completed properties rather than off-plan apartments.