How much can I borrow and deposit
Plus, other fees to be aware of
How much can I borrow?
This will depend on your income and overall financial situation. French banks require detailed documentation to assess your finances, including income, savings and existing commitments.
They work on a debt-to-income ratio, meaning total monthly financial commitments – including the mortgage and any other loans – should generally not exceed 35% of gross household income.
This is a key factor when setting your budget and will determine how much you can borrow.
Banks will usually review at least three months of bank statements, so it is advisable to ensure your accounts are in good order before applying.
Be aware of additional costs
Buying property in France involves a number of additional costs, which can total around 10–15% of the purchase price.
These typically include:
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Notaire’s fees (frais de notaire) – around 7–8% for older properties (often much lower for new builds). These include taxes paid to the state as well as the notaire’s costs
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Bank arrangement fees – typically around 0.5–1% of the loan amount
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Life insurance – most lenders require a policy covering at least 100% of the loan value, which can represent a significant part of the overall cost
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Survey costs, if additional inspections are required
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Broker fees, if you use a mortgage broker (often useful for non-standard situations such as self-employment or non-resident buyers)
How much deposit will I need?
Buyers should typically budget for a deposit of around 20–30% of the property price.
Those who are resident in France may be able to borrow a higher proportion of the purchase price, in some cases up to 90–100%, depending on their financial profile.
Non-resident buyers are generally required to provide a larger deposit.
What if I’m self-employed?
There are fewer mortgage options available for self-employed borrowers, but it is still possible to obtain financing.
Lenders will expect clear evidence of stable, recurring income.
In most cases, you will need to provide at least three years of accounts, ideally supported by strong and consistent financial results.