Romanians' lives transformed by mortgage debt, balancing security with monthly costs

For many Romanians, owning a home means a life reshaped by a mortgage, often involving postponed vacations and fewer nights out. Despite these sacrifices, most homeowners do not regret their decision, finding that the responsibility has fostered greater financial awareness. A study indicates that nearly seven in ten Romanians with a mortgage continue to save, albeit smaller amounts.

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I can't save any money and can't afford to go on vacation. I went to the seaside for two days two years ago. I hope I can make a one-day trip this year. Otherwise, I can't afford much.

One 26-year-old shared his experience of taking out a 55,000-euro mortgage two years ago with a 20,000-euro down payment, now paying 2,000 lei monthly on a 30-year loan. "Vacations are no longer possible," he stated. "I can't save any money and can't afford to go on vacation. I went to the seaside for two days two years ago. I hope I can make a one-day trip this year. Otherwise, I can't afford much."

Beyond financial calculations, a mortgage profoundly impacts individuals psychologically, according to clinical psychologist Gabriela Marc. For many young people, buying their first home signifies independence and maturity, a place to finally call their own. However, this dream often comes with a commitment spanning two to three decades. "Once the contract is signed, not only does the financial situation change, but also how one begins to view time, the future, and one's own freedom," Marc explained.

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Ea simbolizează independența, maturizarea și sentimentul profund că există, în sfârșit, un loc pe care îl pot numi «acasă». În spatele acestui vis se află însă, de foarte multe ori, un angajament care se întinde pe două sau chiar trei decenii. Odată cu semnarea contractului nu se schimbă doar situația financiară, ci și felul în care omul începe să privească timpul, viitorul și propria libertate.

Marc further noted that the observed spending reductions are more than mere budget adjustments; they reflect a deep life reorganization. "Many Romanians choose to reduce nights out, give up vacations, postpone hobbies, or seek additional income sources to support mortgage payments. Viewed externally, these seem like simple financial adjustments. From a psychological perspective, however, they tell the story of a much deeper reorganization. Not only do expenses change, but the entire architecture of life begins to be built around an obligation that accompanies a person for years," she elaborated.

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Foarte mulți români aleg să reducă ieșirile în oraș, să renunțe la concedii, să amâne hobby-uri sau să își caute surse suplimentare de venit pentru a putea susține plata ratelor. Privite din exterior, acestea par simple ajustări financiare. Din perspectivă psihologică însă, ele spun povestea unei reorganizări mult mai profunde. Nu doar cheltuielile se schimbă, ci întreaga arhitectură a vieții începe să fie construită în jurul unei obligații care însoțește omul ani la rând.