Buying Properties in Estonia: Financing & Mortgage Options for International Buyers

Estonia’s Mortgage Landscape in 2025

Estonian banks remain liquid and competitive, keeping average fixed mortgage rates for 10-year terms below the EU average of 5.1%. Foreign buyers can typically borrow up to 70% loan-to-value (LTV), provided they meet income and residency checks.

1. Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Estonia?

Yes, but plan for extra documentation. Major lenders—Swedbank, SEB, and LHV—accept non-resident applications if you can show:

• A stable euro-denominated income (or equivalent)

• A minimum 30–40% down payment

• Proof of clean credit history in your home country

• A local bank account for salary or rental inflow

Bryan Estates partners with these banks to pre-qualify buyers remotely, trimming weeks off approval time.

2. Key Mortgage Products Available

Product	Typical Term	LTV	Best For
Fixed-Rate Home Loan	10–30 years	≤ 70%	Long-term residents wanting payment stability
Euribor-Linked Variable	5–25 years	≤ 75%	Buyers expecting Euribor to fall mid-term
Investment Loan	5–15 years	≤ 65%	Buy-to-let investors targeting 4–6% yields
Bridge Loan	Up to 12 mo	≤ 50%	Cash buyers awaiting overseas funds

Tip: Variable loans track the 6-month Euribor plus a bank margin (currently 1.6–2.3%). Budget for rate resets every six months.

3. Required Documents Checklist

• Passport & proof of residence

• Employment contract or company financials (if self-employed)

• Bank statements (6–12 months)

• Credit report from your home bureau

• Pre-contract or offer for the Estonian property

• Property valuation report by a licensed appraiser (Bryan Estates arranges this within 48 hours)

  
  

4. Hidden Costs to Factor In

Cost Item	Average Rate
Notary & contract fee	0.1–0.4% of purchase price
State fee (Land Register)	€20–€100
Mortgage arrangement fee	0.5% of loan amount
Property appraisal	€200–€450
Insurance (mandatory)	~0.15% of insured sum per year

Note: Keep an extra 2–3% of the purchase price as a cushion for these closing costs.

5. How Bryan Estates Helps You Secure Better Financing

• Bank Comparison – We source quotes from all three major Estonian lenders, ensuring you land the lowest interest rate available.

• Remote Pre-Approval – Our team uploads your documents to secure conditional approval before you even board a flight.

• Bilingual Negotiation – We negotiate terms in Estonian and English, eliminating translation hiccups and saving you legal fees.

• Post-Purchase Support – From setting up utility payments to arranging landlord insurance, we cover the admin so you can focus on your new investment.

  
  

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use foreign income?Yes—if denominated in euros or hedged. Expect stricter LTV caps (≤ 60%).

Is life insurance mandatory?Not legally, but most banks require it for LTV > 60%.

Do Estonian banks offer interest-only loans?Rarely for residential purchases; more common for short-term bridge loans.

Ready to Discuss Your Financing Strategy?

Email info@bryanestates.ee or call +372 123 4567 for a free, no-obligation mortgage consultation tailored to your goals.