Seek .(US:SKLTY) Jin Rong Shi Bao·2025-05-08 11:55Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China has announced a reduction in personal housing provident fund loan interest rates, effective from May 8, 2025, which is expected to alleviate the financial burden on borrowers and support the real estate market [1][9]. Summary by Category Interest Rate Adjustments - The interest rates for first-time homebuyers will be reduced to 2.1% for loans of 5 years or less and 2.6% for loans over 5 years [1][3]. - For second homes, the rates will be adjusted to not lower than 2.525% for loans of 5 years or less and 3.075% for loans over 5 years [1][3]. Financial Impact on Borrowers - For a 1 million yuan loan over 30 years at the previous rate of 2.85%, the monthly payment was approximately 4,136 yuan, which will decrease to about 4,003 yuan after the adjustment, saving around 133 yuan per month and totaling 47,600 yuan in interest over the loan term [4]. - For second homes, the previous rate of 3.325% would result in a monthly payment of about 4,393 yuan, which will drop to approximately 4,257 yuan, saving about 136 yuan monthly and totaling 49,000 yuan in interest [5]. Broader Market Response - Following the central bank's announcement, multiple cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have also announced reductions in their housing provident fund loan rates [6]. - The interest rate adjustments will apply to both new and existing loans, with existing loans set to see a rate reduction starting January 1, 2026 [9].