How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a House in France?

If you're thinking about buying a property in France, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is: how much deposit do I need?

The answer isn't quite as straightforward as it might be in the UK, because there are two different things to consider: the deposit paid when you agree to buy the property, and the amount of money you need to have available overall.

When you sign the compromis de vente, the buyer will commonly pay a deposit of around 5% to 10% of the purchase price. This is often referred to as a dépôt de garantie or indemnité d'immobilisation, depending on the type of sale. The exact amount can vary and should be confirmed as part of the purchase agreement.

This deposit isn't normally an additional cost on top of the purchase price. Assuming the sale completes, it will generally be deducted from the amount you eventually pay for the property.

However, you'll need to budget for considerably more than the deposit.

There are also notaire's fees, taxes and other purchase costs to consider. If you're using a mortgage, there may also be bank and financing costs. Depending on the property, you may need to budget for surveys, translations, insurance or other professional services too.

If you're taking out a French mortgage, the amount you need to contribute yourself will depend on your circumstances, the lender and the property you're buying. Overseas buyers may find that lenders have different requirements around deposits and proof of funds.

So, if you're looking at a €200,000 property, a 10% deposit would be €20,000. But you shouldn't assume that having €20,000 available means you're ready to complete the purchase.

The deposit is just one part of the overall budget.

Before making an offer, work out how much cash you will need for the entire purchase, not just the headline property price. This will give you a much clearer idea of what you can realistically afford when buying a house in France.