In Tallinn, affordability rose by 4.2 points in the fourth quarter last year compared with the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 6.6 % rise in net wages, which continued to surpass the apartment price growth.
In Riga, the HAI increased by 4.7 points also due to 7.7% higher wages.
In Vilnius, the HAI rose by 4 points because of 4.3% higher wages and slowly rising flat prices.
The time needed to save for a down payment decreased by 3 weeks in Tallinn, to 28.5 months, by 1 month and 1 week in Riga, to 24.6 months, and by 1 month in Vilnius, to 36.8.
The housing affordability index (HAI) is calculated for a family whose income is equal to 1.5 of average net wages with an average-sized apartment of 55 square meters. The HAI is 100 when households use 30% of their net wages for mortgage costs. When the HAI is at least 100, households can afford their housing, according to the established norm. The higher the number, the greater the affordability.
