Check the BOK Survey's Q4 Outlook for Housing and Unsecured Loans

What did the release show?

The BOK released its financial institution lending survey at noon that day. Yonhap and Chosun Biz also reported the difference between housing and general household lending at 12:00. This article reflects information checked by 23:20 KST on October 26, 2026.

The lending standards index is a weighted measure of responses from financial institutions' lending officers. A negative value indicates that tightening responses predominate. The composite index rose from -20 in Q3 to a Q4 outlook of -11, while continuing to indicate tightening.

The table was checked on October 26, 2026. The Q4 column contains expectations. These index values are not interest rates or approval percentages.

Why do housing and general household loans differ?

The BOK cited banks' additional lending capacity following the August 13 financial policy package. Measures include managing loans for actual housing needs, such as relocation, interim and final payments, separately from aggregate lending targets, and raising household lending growth targets.

Housing-related lending includes mortgages, group loans and rental deposit loans. The BOK expects standards in this category to remain at the previous quarter's level, while tightening continues for general household lending, including unsecured personal loans and overdraft facilities.

For business loans, the BOK cited uncertainty in external conditions and deteriorating loan asset quality as reasons for tighter standards. Its attachment shows the business loan delinquency rate rising from 0.68% at the end of June to 0.86% at the end of August.

Are demand and repayment risks also rising?

Yonhap reported a Q4 composite loan demand index of 6, down from 13 in the previous quarter. Housing loan demand remained at 14, indicating expected growth. Expectations for demand and banks' intended lending standards are separate survey measures.

The household credit risk index rose from 19 in Q3 to a Q4 outlook of 28. The BOK cited concerns including weaker repayment capacity among vulnerable borrowers. This index likewise does not represent an expected default rate; it measures financial institutions' judgments about changes in risk.

When was the survey conducted, and what should you check next?

Fieldwork took place on September 2–16 and covered 203 financial institutions. It asked about the preceding three months, July–September, and expectations for October–December. Its timing therefore differs from actual lending approvals in late October.

In the next BOK lending survey, check how actual Q4 developments compare with this outlook. The statistics are released in January, April, July and October, the month after each quarter ends. For the precise release schedule after the October 26, 2026 check date, consult the BOK's statistical release calendar.