top of page

Getting a Mortgage in France as a UK or US Buyer

  • Writer: A New Life
    A New Life
  • Jul 9
  • 4 min read

Here’s a UK- and US-focused guide on getting a mortgage in France—what to expect, what options exist, and how to prepare.

 

Can UK and US Buyers Get Mortgages in France?

Yes. French banks routinely lend to foreign buyers, including UK and US citizens.

But they often apply stricter criteria to non-residents, especially those outside the EU.

Expect a larger deposit requirement (20–30% minimum) and more paperwork.

 

Special Context for UK Buyers After Brexit

Since Brexit:

  • UK citizens are treated as non-EU buyers.

  • No automatic right to live in France—visa/residency may impact your plans, but not mortgage eligibility.

  • Lenders may ask for proof of residency status if you plan to live in the property full-time.


Good news: French banks still welcome UK buyers—there’s a long tradition of lending to them.

Currency Considerations for Both UK and US Buyers


A big issue for both UK (£) and US ($) buyers:

  • Mortgage in Euros: Payments will be in euros, but your income may be in pounds or dollars.

  • Exchange rate risk: Monthly payments can rise if your home currency weakens.

 

Solutions:

 

  • Some lenders offer hedging or foreign-currency mortgages (rare, and usually for high-value loans).

  • Many buyers open a French bank account and transfer funds in larger chunks when rates are favourable.

 

Tip: Plan for currency fluctuation in your budget.

 

Types of Mortgages Available

French lenders offer a range of mortgage products to UK and US buyers:

 

Fixed-Rate Mortgages (Most popular.)

Rate fixed for 10–25 years. (Predictable payments—ideal if you want certainty.)

 

Variable-Rate Mortgages

Linked to Euribor (European rate). (Can be cheaper initially.)

Risk of payment increases if rates rise.

 

Capped Variable-Rate

Rate can vary but only within a set range.

Balances flexibility and risk.

 

Interest-Only (Limited Availability) (Pay interest only for a set period.)

Higher risk; banks are cautious lending these to non-residents.

 

Typical Mortgage Terms for UK and US Buyers

Loan-to-Value (LTV): 70–80% for non-residents.

Deposit: Usually 20–30% minimum.

Term: Typically 10–25 years.

 

Interest Rates: Competitive by international standards. Recent fixed rates often in the 3–4% range (but check current offers).

 

Important: French banks cap your total debt payments at around 33% of your gross monthly income. That includes existing loans and the new mortgage.

 

Documentation You’ll Need

French banks want detailed proof of financial stability. Typical requirements:

 

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of address

  • Proof of income (salary slips or pension statements)

  • Recent tax returns (often 2–3 years)

  • Recent bank statements (3–6 months)

  • Details of debts (e.g. UK or US mortgages, loans)

  • Proof of deposit funds

  • Preliminary sales agreement (compromis de vente) if available

 

For self-employed or retirees:

  • More paperwork—business accounts or pension award letters.

 

Residency Status and Mortgages

Non-residents: Must show income and stability but can buy without living in France.

 

Residents: Slightly easier. Some banks offer higher LTV (up to ~90%) for residents.

 

For UK buyers post-Brexit: residency doesn’t affect your right to get a mortgage, but you’ll need a visa if living in France full-time.

 

Retirees from UK or US

  • You can get a mortgage.

  • Banks will want to see regular pension income.

  • Some lenders have age limits (loan must usually finish before you’re 75–80).

 

Notaire Fees and Buying Costs

  • Notaire fees: Typically 7–8% of purchase price (includes stamp duty, taxes, legal fees).

  • These are not included in mortgage lending. You’ll need to fund them separately.

 

Example: For a €300,000 property, you might need:

€60,000 deposit (20%).

€22,000 in notaire fees.

Total upfront cash: €82,000.

 

Using a French Mortgage Broker

Highly recommended for UK and US buyers:

 

  • Bilingual support.

  • Access to multiple banks.

  • Knows which lenders favour foreign buyers.

  • Help managing the paperwork.

 

Many expats find this saves time, stress, and even money in the long run.

 

Life Insurance Requirements

  • French banks usually require life insurance (assurance décès-invalidité).

  •  Pays off the mortgage if you die or become disabled.

  •  Bank will often offer their own policy, but you can shop around for cheaper/better cover.

  •  UK/US buyers often use an international insurer if local policies are expensive or restrictive.

 

The Mortgage Process in France

  • Choose your property.

  • Agree the price and sign the compromis de vente.

  • Apply for a mortgage (via bank or broker).

  • Provide documentation.

  • Get the formal offre de prêt (loan offer).

  • Wait 10-day cooling-off period (mandatory).

  • Sign at the notaire and complete the purchase.

 

Alternative Financing Options

If French banks seem too strict:

 

  • Use UK or US home equity to fund your French purchase.

  • International banks with specialist expat products.

  • Developer or vendor financing (rare, but can exist in new-build schemes).

 

Things to highlight

  • Budget carefully—including deposit, fees, moving costs, renovations.

  • Watch the exchange rate.

  • Check your debt-to-income ratio before applying.

  • Don’t over-borrow just because rates seem low.

  • Get professional help (notaire, broker, currency specialist).

  • Plan for long-term affordability.

 

Buying in France as a UK or US buyer is absolutely possible and, with planning, surprisingly straightforward. But it pays to be realistic about:

 

  • Deposit requirements.

  • Detailed paperwork.

  • Exchange-rate risks.

 

Thousands of British and American buyers secure French mortgages every year. With careful preparation, you can join them—and enjoy your dream property in France.


To find out more on getting a mortgage, please fill in the form below:



bottom of page