Since autumn 2021, banks may grant a temporary exemption from the amortization requirement if the household's financial conditions "significantly deteriorate", according to guidelines from the Financial Supervisory Authority.

- It could be about unemployment, sick leave, parental leave or that your living expenses change drastically as a result of food or electricity prices, says SEB's private economist Américo Fernández, who believes the "repayment valve" can strengthen borrowers' situation.

At the same time, he emphasizes that higher interest expenses are not reason enough and there are no guarantees that the break will be granted.

The banks' picture differs

At Danske bank, even higher requirements are set in order to be granted a break.

- You don't get a break because it's a little tougher right now.

It comes with fairly strong criteria that you simply cannot afford to pay, says Jennie Sandén.

She also believes that an amortization break affects one's credit rating, at least for 12 months.

- It's a bit of common sense.

If I can't afford to pay repayments on the loan I have, I also don't have the opportunity to take out additional loans.

Arturo Arques, who is a savings economist at competitor Swedbank, has a similar view.

"From a customer perspective, you should only apply for amortization freedom if you really need it," he writes in an email, and he also adds that a break can affect one's future credit rating.

Américo Fernández disagrees.

- The idea is not for the temporary amortization relief to affect the household's creditworthiness.

"Expected statement from the government"

According to Américo Fernández, it is too early to say whether it is right or wrong for the finance minister to go out and call for an amortization break.

- It was a rather expected statement when the government has its hands tied behind its back and does not want to fuel the inflation fire.

Jennie Sandén says instead that the government is "again pointing at the banks" and giving false hopes.

- It is very, very tough for the Swedish people today.

You need to come up with straight guidelines as to what applies.