Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
The Ecuadorian Social Security Bank says it has disbursed more than USD 53.69 million through Credicasa to more than 1,030 families. The program advertises a 2.99% preferential rate for eligible affiliates and retirees, with qualifying disbursements potentially taking 30–45 days.
Private financial institutions disbursed USD 734 million in mortgage loans between January and June, while Biess placed another USD 263 million. Combined housing finance reached USD 997 million for the first half of the year.
Eternit plans to launch 57-square-meter homes priced between USD 22,000 and USD 25,000 by the end of 2026. The project arrives as Ecuador’s housing credit portfolio grows 6.1% annually.
A rule that took effect on August 3 requires registrars to verify payment details for qualifying transactions and moves larger obligations toward financial-system payment methods.
BIESS says its Credicasa housing loan requires a minimum credit score of 650, with financing of up to USD 65,000 for a first new home and a maximum term of 30 years.
A new report warns that only 30% of buildings in Ecuador comply with anti-seismic construction standards. The risk is tied to weak enforcement, informal construction and geological faults, especially in large cities such as Quito and Guayaquil.
Ecuador’s Assembly is debating tenancy-law changes that would set maximum limits and a return mechanism for rental guarantees, a practical issue for expats signing leases.
A Click Research poll says 67% support creating a new canton from nine Quito valley parishes, with insecurity leading the local problem list.
Ecuador issued Decree 441 on July 3, raising maximum values for certain social-interest housing categories. The change matters for buyers and developers watching subsidized housing, preferential mortgages, and lower-cost home inventory.
BIESS has modernized InmoBiess, a web platform where affiliates and retirees can review qualified housing projects and estimate mortgage payments. The tool includes projects by city, price and number of bedrooms, but it does not replace the formal credit evaluation.
Quito’s La Carolina and surrounding hypercenter remain among the city’s most demanded real-estate zones, with small units of 25 to 35 square meters in high demand. Market sources cite prices above $2,000 per square meter in high-end projects.
Net housing reservations in Ecuador rose 28% from January to April 2026 compared with the same period last year. Builders now project that annual housing sales could reach or exceed 40,000 units if favorable conditions continue.
