China is taking decisive action to address the deepening crisis in its property sector and provide a much-needed boost to its faltering economy. As part of these efforts, certain state-owned banks will be implementing interest rate cuts on existing mortgages, according to three anonymous sources familiar with the matter.

These interest rate reductions will only be applicable to first-time homebuyers. The exact percentage of the rate cuts will vary depending on the type of client and the city in which the mortgage is held. In some cases, the reduction may be as high as 20 basis points.

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the country’s central bank, has yet to respond to requests for comment on these developments.

This move to lower existing mortgage rates is just one among several other measures recently announced by Beijing to provide support to the property sector, the economy, and the overall market. The concerns surrounding the health of the world’s second-largest economy have prompted these initiatives.

The property sector, which constitutes approximately a quarter of the economy, has faced numerous challenges since 2021. The recent publicized liquidity stress experienced by leading developer Country Garden has intensified fears of contagion.

The anticipated reduction in interest rates on existing mortgages follows the PBOC’s earlier announcement that it would guide commercial banks to take such measures. The objective is to decrease interest rate costs for homebuyers and stimulate consumption in the face of an economic slowdown.

China has been steadily reducing new mortgage rates since last year in an attempt to revive its stagnant property market. However, the primary outcome thus far has been a surge in households repaying existing mortgages ahead of schedule, putting pressure on banks’ profitability.

Lowering existing mortgage rates is expected to further strain the banking sector’s net interest margin (NIM), a crucial measure of profitability. Official data from the second quarter revealed that the NIM had already dropped to a record low.

To mitigate the impact on NIM, major state banks are also planning to reduce interest rates on selected fixed-term deposits. The extent of these cuts will range between 10 basis points and 25 basis points. This additional measure aims to help banks maintain a healthy NIM level.

These recent developments reflect China’s determination to address the challenges in its property sector and revive economic growth. By focusing on interest rate reductions for existing mortgages, the government hopes to provide relief to homebuyers, stimulate consumption, and support the banking sector amidst a challenging economic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who will benefit from the interest rate cuts on existing mortgages?
   The interest rate cuts will specifically apply to first-time homebuyers in China.
2. How much will the interest rates be reduced by?
   The exact reduction in interest rates will vary depending on the client’s profile and the city in which the mortgage is held. In some cases, the reduction may be as high as 20 basis points.
3. What is the objective behind these interest rate cuts?
   The objective is to reduce interest rate costs for homebuyers and stimulate consumption to counter the slowdown in China’s economy.
4. Why is China focusing on reducing existing mortgage rates rather than new mortgage rates?
   China has been cutting new mortgage rates since last year, but this has primarily resulted in households paying off existing mortgages early, squeezing banks’ profits. Lowering existing mortgage rates aims to provide more immediate relief to borrowers.
5. How will the reduction in mortgage rates affect banks?
   Lowering mortgage rates is expected to further impact banks’ net interest margin (NIM), which is a key measure of profitability. This could put additional pressure on the banking sector.
6. Are there any measures to mitigate the impact on banks?
   Major state banks are planning to lower interest rates on certain fixed-term deposits. This additional measure aims to help banks maintain their net interest margin.

*Disclaimer: This article is based on available information and anonymous sources. For official statements and updates, please refer to relevant government and financial authorities.*

(Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/))