How To Get A Mortgage In France

Mortgage advice with a 95% approval rate

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Why us

Not sure if you qualify? You're in the right place.

Most buyers aren't sure whether they can get a French mortgage, how much they can borrow, or which lenders will consider them. That's exactly where we can help.

Check your eligibility first

Understand your options before you apply.

Bilingual team

We liaise directly with French parties on your behalf.

Expert guidance

With over 17 years experience, we explain the process and your options in plain English.

95% approval rate

By matching clients with the right lenders, we maximise your chances of approval.

FAQs

Getting A Mortgage in France: Quick Answers

Find out more about what's involved in getting a French mortgage as a UK resident before you apply.

Can UK residents get a French mortgage?

Yes. Most UK residents can obtain a French mortgage. French lenders have different affordability and lending criteria to UK lenders, so checking your eligibility is the best place to start.

How much can I borrow?

French banks will lend up to 70-80% of the property’s value to non-residents. Your borrowing limit depends on the term length (usually capped at 20-25 years), your income, and the mortgage type.

How much deposit do I need?

You’ll typically need a deposit of at least 20-30%.

How long does it take?

Securing a French mortgage typically takes 2-3 months from start to finish. Delays can occur if documents are missing or valuations take time.

What documents do I need?

To apply, be ready to provide:

  • Recent payslips or proof of income (last 3 months)
  • Last 2 years of tax returns
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)
  • Passport
  • Proof of deposit
  • Details of other debts and outgoings

If you're self-employed, expect to supply business accounts and additional tax documentation.

Do I need a French bank account?

You don't usually need to have a French bank account before applying for a French mortgage. However, your lender may require you to open one as part of the mortgage process, for example to make your monthly mortgage repayments.

What fees do I need to pay?

Beyond interest rates on the mortgage, you’ll need to budget for:

  • Notary fees: around 7–8% of the purchase price for existing properties.
  • Mortgage arrangement fees: 1–2%.
  • Broker fees: usually around 1%, sometimes included in the mortgage.
  • Valuation fees: required by some lenders.
  • Life insurance: mandatory with most French mortgages.

Why use a French mortgage broker over other options?

A broker is the preferable option for many over working directly with French banks or other options. A broker works on your behalf to find the best deals across multiple lenders and guides you through the process. They help you save time, overcome language barriers, handle paperwork and follow-ups, and ensure you find competitive, tailored rates.

Check Your Eligibility Today!

Check your French mortgage eligibility instantly with our checker.

Rated excellentRated 4.9Google.com

Fiona Watts, Founder and Managing Director of International Private FinanceBritish Bank Awards winner: Best Specialist Mortgage Broker

Our process

How to get a mortgage in France

With over 17 years of experience, local connections, a bilingual team, and trusted lenders, we make securing a French mortgage simple for UK residents. Whether for a holiday home or a permanent move, we handle the details so you can buy without the stress.

1

Check your eligibility

Tell us a little about yourself and your property plans. We'll assess your circumstances, explain your options, and let you know which French lenders are most likely to consider your application.

2

Find the right French lender

Once you're ready to proceed, your dedicated bilingual mortgage specialist will help prepare your application, source the most suitable mortgage, and guide you through every stage of the approval process.

3

Complete your purchase with expert support

We'll liaise with French banks, notaries, estate agents and other professionals to keep everything moving smoothly through to completion, so you can focus on your new property.

A woman in a sun hat sits at the edge of a villa swimming pool in France

Reviews

What our clients say about us

We've spent years securing French mortgages for non residents. Here are some examples of happy clients who can tell you how we ensured they could purchase abroad, stress-free.

Unwavering support and expertise, every step of the way

Unwavering support and expertise, every step of the way. IPF took the time to understand my international buying goals while providing very dedicated support to find the best mortgage for my needs. Their attention to detail was exceptional, in explaining various mortgage options and keeping my best interests in mind to ensure that I was making an informed decision. As buying abroad can be confusing, IPF was available to offer support about the steps involved and answered all of my questions. IPF's dedication made the purchase happen smoothly and their proactive approach ensured that no detail was overlooked.

Candice Mueller
Google review

I don't think we would have stuck it out without them.

IPF made this whole process significantly easier for us. I don't think we would have stuck it out without them. Natalie and her team were with us every step of the way, fast in replying and answering questions and super supportive even when we were having a bit of a meltdown about the process. Initially we were very skeptical about having to pay so much for what we essentially thought was going to be a simple “mortgage broker”, but they turned out to be worth every penny. They did so much more than broker the mortgage. They guided, advised, cautioned and just generally held our hand through the entire process. I couldn't recommend them enough and thank you so much for everything.

Sofie L'Eau
Google review

Cannot recommend IPF highly enough

Cannot recommend IPF highly enough, we had spoken to our French bank regarding a mortgage and very quickly came to understand the complexities involved with a UK > France mortgage application.Our estate agent thankfully suggested that we contact IPF. From the outset IPF made the whole process seamless and painless, they found the most suitable product, guided us through the application and dealt with all the arising questions that came from the French lender.Thank you to all the team at International Private Finance for helping us purchase our dream home in the Alps.

James Howells
Google review

Always on hand to offer advice and reassurance

Natalie Knibbs and the team were simply amazing. They helped us through a complex process, making it as simple as possible. Always on hand to offer advice and reassurance yet setting realistic expectations. We could not have done it without them. Anyone considering a move abroad to France or Spain etc needs to reach out to IPF. Thank you to them for helping us realise our dream.

Tomas Wood
Google review

We would highly recommend the service

We would highly recommend the service provided by International Private Finance. After trying and failing to obtain a mortgage through another mortgage advisor, we reached out to IPF. Their communication throughout the process was fantastic and the whole team were always on hand to provide an update. We obtained a successful outcome for our mortgage in France and we owe this to the great work of the team at IPF.

Matthew Hayward
Google review

We would highly recommend the fantastic team at IPF

We would highly recommend the fantastic team at IPF and anyone looking to obtain a French mortgage should look no further! After being turned away from other companies, we were losing hope about whether we could achieve our dream of owning a home in France, but we shouldn't have worried as IPF came to our rescue! The whole team was incredibly professional and always quick to respond whenever we had questions. They made the process clear to us from day one and they took away a lot of the stress and worries we had. We really couldn't have done it without them, and we are incredibly grateful for all their support throughout. Thank you very much to the whole team!

Amy Thorpe
Google review

Latest rates

French mortgage rates

International Private Finance has exclusive access to some of the best French mortgage rates on the market, unavailable if you went directly to lenders. Once we know more about your circumstances, we can recommend the best rates available to you. The table below outlines the latest general French mortgage rates.

Repayment typeMax LTV (Term)Starting Rates from **Interest onlyMonthly payments *Request Quote
Fixed85% (15 years)3.95%No€3,685Check my eligibility
Fixed85% (20 years)4.10%No€3,057Check my eligibility
Capped Variable80% (10 years)3.43%No€4,927Check my eligibility
Capped Variable80% (15 years)3.53%No€3,582Check my eligibility
Fixed70% (15 years)3.65%No€3,611Check my eligibility
Fixed70% (15 years)4.87%Yes€2,029Check my eligibility

* Monthly payment is based on a loan amount of €500,000 **
Lower interest rates may be available if you do not require the maximum LTVs (loan to values) This information should only be used as a guide. The products mentioned here are for non-resident clients, other products will be available for residents. The choice of interest rate and product terms will depend on your circumstances and the amount of the mortgage. Before you make a mortgage application, we will carry out a full review to establish your needs and preferences and if you meet the criteria, we will give advice and make a recommendation to you. There will be a fee for our mortgage service. All mortgages are subject to status. Please note that all products show an indicative rate only and may not be suitable for you. You must be 18 or over. For a personalised French mortgage quote please contact us directly or submit your information online.

Information provided by www.internationalprivatefinance.com and is correct as of 12/12/2025
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage

Fiona Watts, Founder and Managing Director, with the International Private Finance teamBritish Bank Awards winner: Best Specialist Mortgage Broker

Check your eligibility today!

Take the first step towards owning your dream home in France—check your eligibility today, and let us guide you every step of the way!

Fiona Watts, Founder & Managing Director