The National Bank of Georgia Kept the Rate at 8.25%: What Apartment Buyers Need to Know

Sept. 9, 2026 The National Bank of Georgia kept its monetary policy rate at 8.25%. The decision was published at the National Bank’s official statement. For those considering a mortgage in Georgia or buying an apartment in Batumi with a loan, it is important to distinguish between this rate and the rate offered by a specific bank.

Why the Rate Was Left Unchanged

In August 2026, annual inflation in Georgia stood at 5.6%, compared to a target of 3%. The National Bank attributes the deviation from the target primarily to external supply factors, including rising energy prices. Its central scenario projects average inflation of about 5.2% in 2026 and a gradual return to the target in the medium term.

The regulator has maintained a moderately tight policy to limit inflationary risks. This is not a promise of an imminent rate cut: further decisions will depend on how the situation develops.

Why 8.25% Is Not the Mortgage Rate in Georgia

The National Bank’s rate serves as a monetary policy tool, not a uniform rate for homebuyers. In explanation of the monetary policy transmission mechanism, the regulator describes how its decisions affect market rates and lending in lari. This mechanism does not work in the same way for interest rates on foreign-currency loans.

Therefore, the headline about maintaining the 8.25% rate should not be interpreted as an offer to take out a mortgage at that rate. You must obtain the terms of your loan directly from the bank. The fact that the National Bank’s rate remains unchanged does not, in and of itself, guarantee that all bank rates will remain the same.

Will the payment on an existing loan change?

The answer depends on the contract. First, clarify whether the rate is fixed, variable, or indexed, what indicator it is tied to, and how often it is adjusted. Then ask the bank for your current payment schedule and an explanation of the recalculation process.

In National Bank’s materials on consumer protection, currency and interest rate risks are discussed separately. For buyers, this is a reason to evaluate not only the figure advertised today but also the conditions under which costs may change.

What to Check Before Buying an Apartment with a Mortgage

Compare the nominal and effective interest rates. Ask the bank to explain which fees and mandatory expenses are included in the calculation and which are paid separately. Request a full payment schedule, early repayment terms, and a list of required documents.

Pay attention to the currency of the loan and your income. If they differ, assess how exchange rate fluctuations will affect your budget. A lower advertised rate does not necessarily mean less risk for a specific buyer.

Before making a down payment, confirm whether the bank is willing to consider the property you’ve chosen and what conditions must be met for financing. Discuss the transaction process and timeline: a preliminary payment estimate does not constitute final loan approval.

When buying real estate in Batumi, set aside funds not only for the down payment. Renovations, furnishings, property maintenance, and unforeseen expenses also affect the affordability of the purchase. The amount of this reserve depends on the property and your budget.

Should You Wait for Interest Rates to Drop Before Buying an Apartment?

According to AM Estate’s editorial team, a single decision by the National Bank should not be the sole reason to buy an apartment or postpone the transaction. It’s more useful to compare two scenarios: buying now under confirmed terms versus waiting with no guarantee that loan rates will fall in the future.

Don’t count on a potential reduction in payments as a certainty. If the purchase is only affordable at a lower future interest rate, the current financial burden may be excessive. Conversely, a suitable property should be evaluated based on a combination of factors, not just on expectations regarding monetary policy.

Conclusion for real estate buyers in Batumi: The National Bank of Georgia has kept the interest rate at 8.25%, but mortgage terms remain subject to individual calculations and the bank’s discretion. Before buying an apartment, review the contract, the total cost of the loan, currency risks, and the stability of your budget.

Browse the AM Estate new-construction catalog to compare properties by location and purchase terms. You must confirm separately with the bank whether financing is available for the apartment you’ve selected.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual financial advice, a loan offer, or a guarantee of mortgage approval.