Who qualifies for Family Start?

Families and single people under 45 at application, with no past property or only one previously owned and sold at least 12 months earlier. Income is verified.

What's the max loan amount?

For a single person up to €70,000. For a family with children up to €140,000. The state guarantees 50%, allowing a smaller down payment (5-15%) than standard mortgages.

Does Family Start have a lower rate?

Rate is the bank's standard mortgage rate. The real benefit is the state guarantee, allowing smaller down payment and easier approval. Don't expect a discounted rate — sometimes slightly higher than a commercial mortgage.

Family Start and the mortgage: practical guide for 2026

Family Start launched in 2024 as the successor to 'Prima Casă' and 'Noua Casă'. The idea is simple: the state guarantees half of the mortgage value, letting banks lend with smaller down payments and easier conditions. For someone buying a first home in 2026 without €30,000-50,000 on the table for the down payment, it's the most accessible path.

Who qualifies

Specific rules, not everyone fits:

• Under 45 years old at application (any co-applicant)
• No prior property owned, or only one previously owned and sold at least 12 months before application
• Verifiable income and debt-to-income under NBR cap (40% consumer, 45% mortgage)
• The home must be the main residence, not a buy-to-let

Maximum amounts

Single person: up to €70,000 (lei equivalent). Family with children: up to €140,000. The state guarantees 50% via the National Credit Guarantee Fund (FNGCIMM).

Down payment: 5-15% of the property value, instead of 20-25% for a standard commercial mortgage. On a €90,000 apartment that's €4,500-13,500 instead of €18,000-22,500.

Real benefit (and what you don't gain)

Clear benefit: you can buy earlier without years of saving for a down payment. Approval is somewhat easier because the bank's risk is reduced by the state guarantee.

What many believe but isn't true: the rate isn't lower. Family Start doesn't give you a special rate: the bank applies its normal mortgage rate (in 2026, IRCC + margin, or 6-month Euribor + margin for EUR). Sometimes the rate is even slightly higher because the bank adds a small risk surcharge.

Practical traps

Guarantee fee. FNGCIMM charges 0.4% yearly of the guaranteed amount. On a €100,000 loan, that's €200/year extra. Not much, but over 25-30 years it adds up.

Resale restriction. The property can't be sold in the first 5 years without full loan repayment. Divorce, relocation, other reasons. The rule catches you.

Mandatory insurance. Property insurance is required (logical), and life insurance is often a condition. Check the SECCI for the exact cost — sometimes 1,000-2,500 lei/year.

For whom it really makes sense

Maria, after 7 years in consumer credit: Family Start is for real people in real moments. Young family wanting to leave rent without €25,000 saved — exactly designed for them. Couple with €8,000-15,000 saved able to pay 1,800-2,400 lei monthly, perfect.

Not for: investors wanting buy-to-let (forbidden), couples with enough down payment and good income (pure commercial mortgage better, avoids guarantee fee), people unsure they'll stay 5+ years.

Compare mortgage offers on Kreditano and see which bank offers Family Start under the best terms. Differences between banks can be significant: analysis fee, nominal rate, insurance conditions.