LBX(SH:603883) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-01 10:40Core Insights - The trend of early mortgage repayment in China has surged, with a total of 12.8 trillion yuan repaid in four years, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior and financial strategy [2][6][21] - The total balance of personal housing loans has decreased from 38.32 trillion yuan at the end of 2021 to 37.74 trillion yuan by mid-2025, despite a theoretical need for new loans due to high new home sales [4][6] - The decline in mortgage balances is attributed to rising early repayment trends, driven by high existing loan interest rates compared to lower new loan rates [7][9] Mortgage Market Dynamics - The average mortgage interest rates have seen a significant drop, with new loans at around 3.25% starting in 2024, while existing loans remain at higher rates, prompting borrowers to repay early [7][9] - The financial calculations favor early repayment, as the interest on savings and investment products has decreased, making it less attractive to keep funds in banks [9][19] - The phenomenon of early repayment is viewed as a risk management strategy by households amid economic uncertainty and fluctuating property values [9][21] Banking Sector Implications - Banks are facing challenges as the net interest margin has dropped to 1.42%, significantly below the international warning line of 1.8%, due to the disparity between high existing loan rates and lower new loan rates [13][21] - The early repayment trend poses liquidity risks for banks, as they lose significant interest income and must adapt to a changing financial landscape [13][21] - The banking sector is shifting from relying solely on mortgage income to a more diversified approach, necessitating adjustments in asset-liability management [21][25] Policy and Market Outlook - The policy focus has shifted from rescuing property prices to stabilizing the market and preventing systemic risks, with measures like lowering down payment ratios and optimizing purchase restrictions [15][17] - The recent policy changes have shown some positive effects, with an increase in new mortgage loans in early 2025, indicating a slight recovery in market activity [17][19] - The future of the real estate market is expected to be characterized by slow adjustments and structural changes, moving away from speculative investments towards a focus on quality housing [25][27]