Guide to Mortgages and Bank Loans in France

About French Mortgages and Bank Loans

Our specialist overseas finance partners strive to offer the most complete selection of mortgage products available throughout France and Europe for non-French, foreigners and international buyers, including non-EU residents.

They specialise in sourcing mortgage and re-mortgaging packages and commercial loans for our clients and could consider loans for larger homes, depending on the LTV, condition, price and project. We believe that only when your specific situation has been discussed can you receive the most valuable advice from our financial experts.

Whether it’s help with raising finances or advice on minimising your exposure to tax, they provide bespoke packages to enable buyers to secure their dream home in France. If you need legal and taxation assistance our tax and law partners can assist you with every aspect of buying, working and/or living in France; please contact us for more details.

Mortgage Application Assessment

French banks and lenders must assess if you can afford to take out a mortgage. This is due to French consumer law and is done by comparing your outgoings (mortgages, car and other loans, credit cards, rent etc.) to your income. Under normal circumstances, providing your income covers your outgoings (including the mortgage cost) by 35%, your application should be successful.

Currently, most banks require a minimum loan amount of €250,000 euros, with a 30% deposit, a higher amount would help. Note that each mortgage lender will assess an application differently based on their lending policies which change throughout the year.

Due Diligence and Patience in France

As with any mortgage, a lot of documentation is required to process an application. Providing the required documents are supplied in a timely fashion, and the application is filled out fully, a mortgage offer will usually be made within three to four weeks, it can take longer, a lot of patience will be required on your part. You cannot accept a loan offer until the cooling-off period has expired; the French banks want buyers to properly reflect on their decision before accepting the offer.


Life Insurance for French Mortgages

Life Insurance must be taken out to cover 99.9% of mortgages in France. The standard procedure is to arrange for this cover at the same time as the loan, many lenders will only accept applications if this has previously been organised. You don't have to take the lenders offer, apply for a quote for mortgage or loan insurance to compare before you make your final decision.

To discuss your mortgage requirements, please fill out the form on this page, our expert will be in touch promptly.


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