Mortgages in Venezuela in 2026: who can apply, and how to buy without one

After the two earthquakes of 24 June 2026, the government announced a subsidised mortgage on 4 July within the Gran Misión Venezuela Renace. On 11 August it authorised three public banks to grant it, and on 3 September it simplified the requirements.

The loan is granted by Banco de Venezuela, Banco Digital de los Trabajadores and Banco del Tesoro. Efecto Cocuyo reports that BNC, BBVA Provincial, Banesco and Mercantil joined later. By September 2026, Banco de Venezuela had issued 1,682 pre-approvals.

• People included in the census of those affected, with their digital certificate.
• With official certification of severe damage to their home, that is, a building marked red.
• With a title registered at SAREN for the damaged home.

No official source opens the programme to buyers without certified damage or to Venezuelans abroad.

According to the Asociación Bancaria, the seller receives payment in dollars through a bank exchange desk. If your property is worth 100,000 dollars or less, an earthquake victim with an approved loan is a real buyer, with the money secured by the bank. It is worth saying so in the listing.

If you are thinking of selling, start with the documents: the guide to selling has the full list.

• Inflation passed 500% at the end of August 2026, according to economists cited by Efecto Cocuyo.
• A 73% reserve requirement, in force since 2019, limits what the banks can lend.
• Total bank lending was about 3,949 million dollars at the start of September, around 3.5% of GDP.
• Article 23 of the Mortgage Debtor Protection Law only allows home mortgages in bolívares. The Cámara Venezolana de la Construcción is asking for it to be repealed.

1. 1Have the full amount together before negotiating. A seller with another cash offer will not wait.
2. 2Add the registry and lawyer’s costs to the price. By law the registry fee is capped at 2% of the value.
3. 3Sign a purchase option agreement with the price, the deadline for registration and what happens if either party pulls out.
4. 4If the seller agrees to finance part of it, put the payment schedule and the security in writing.
5. 5Prepare the sworn declaration on the source of funds the registry asks for.

If you are buying from outside the country, the whole process is in the guide to buying a house in Venezuela.

The Law on the Promotion and Protection of Housing Construction, passed on 21 August 2026, replaces the law against property fraud. What changes for the buyer:

• Your money goes into a compulsory trust and is released as the works progress.
• The developer must register in a national register of projects before selling off-plan.
• The final price is fixed on signing, with no extra charges.
• Penalties for withdrawing are capped at 5% and the refund falls due at 120 days.
• Loans and mortgages on a main home are exempt from registry and notary fees.