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French Mortgages For UK Buyers

French mortgages for UK Residents

UK residents can access French mortgages at up to 85% LTV, with fixed rates across 15, 20 and 25-year terms. Whatever your income profile, we handle the entire process in English, from first conversation to completion.

Access to French & international private banks

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85%
Maximum LTV for UK buyers
25+
Years serving British buyers in France
Exclusive Access
French banks & international private banks
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You’re in the right place

Why British buyers choose us

Our international mortgage brokers work exclusively on cross-border transactions, with direct access to French high-street banks and a network of international private banks in Monaco, Switzerland and Luxembourg. This gives our UK clients a wider range of financing options than most can find independently or through other brokers.

We have been placing British buyers into French property since 2001. That experience means we know which lenders suit which UK income profiles, how to structure an application that moves efficiently, and how to handle the complexities that come with buying across two countries.

Current Rates

French mortgage rates for UK residents in 2026

Fixed rate mortgages are the standard in France — most UK buyers choose a term of 15, 20 or 25 years. The table below shows indicative rates based on a €500,000 mortgage. Your actual rate depends on your LTV, income profile, and lender.

Max LTVTermRate From*Monthly Payment**
85%15 years3.95%€3,687
85%20 years4.10%€3,056
85%25 years4.15%€2,682
70%15 years3.20%€3,501
70%20 years3.40%€2,874

* Fixed rates, indicative for April 2026.   ** Based on €500,000 mortgage. Subject to lender eligibility and UK income profile.

Getting your rate right means understanding your UK income profile.

French lenders assess UK income on a case-by-case basis. PAYE employees, self-employed buyers, limited company directors and pension income are all treated differently — and the right lender for your profile makes a meaningful difference to both your rate and your approval odds.

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UK Income Profiles

How French lenders assess UK income

Not all income is treated equally. French lenders apply specific criteria to each income type. Understanding how your profile is assessed before applying makes a material difference to your approval rate and the terms available.

01

PAYE Employment

The most straightforward UK profile for French lenders. Three months of payslips are standard, alongside two years of P60s. The key metric is your debt-to-income ratio — French lenders want total debt commitments below 35% of gross income.

02

Self-Employed

French lenders require two to three years of finalised accounts. Net profit is assessed rather than turnover. Buyers with consistent self-employed income are well served — the right lender makes the difference.

03

Limited Company Directors

Dividend and salary structures are accepted. Lenders assess the combination carefully. Retained profits in the company can strengthen a case when properly documented. Private bank lenders are often more flexible than high-street French banks for director profiles.

04

Contractors

Day rate income is accepted by some French lenders where the contract history is continuous and well-documented. Umbrella company evidence or direct contracts both work depending on the lender. We identify the right match for your structure.

05

Rental Income

UK rental income is accepted as supplementary income, typically at 70–75% of gross rental. It strengthens an application but rarely stands alone as the primary income source.

06

Pension Income

Well-received by French lenders given its predictability. Both state and private pension income is accepted. Pension buyers often find the French lending process straightforward once documentation is in order.

07

Multiple Income Sources

Where a buyer has PAYE income alongside rental income, investment returns or a pension, the combined picture can significantly strengthen an application. We help present multiple income sources in the format French lenders require.

08

HNW and Asset-Based Profiles

For buyers whose wealth is held in assets under management rather than conventional income, private bank financing is often most suitable. Lombard loans, interest-only facilities and bespoke structures are available through our banking network.

Types of Mortgages

The French mortgage options available to UK buyers

UK buyers purchasing in France can access the full range of French mortgage products, from straightforward capital repayment mortgages to specialist financing for off-plan purchases, renovations, and investment structures. The right product depends on your property type, intended use, and financial profile.

Whether you’re buying a holiday home, relocating, or investing, we’ll find the right product for your profile and situation.

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Standard
Capital Repayment Interest-Only
Self-Employed Mortgage Post-Financing
Construction
New-Build & Off-Plan Renovation Financing
Self-Build Mortgage
Specialist Financing
Private Bank Mortgage Lombard Loans
Equity Release Bridging Loans
Refinancing SCI & SARL Financing

Enquire about a French Mortgage

Currency Considerations

Why currency exchange matters from day one

UK buyers earning in sterling and servicing a euro mortgage carry exchange rate exposure for the life of their loan. When GBP strengthens against EUR, your effective repayment cost falls. When it weakens, it rises — and over a 20-year term, those swings can be meaningful. French lenders account for this by applying a currency buffer when assessing GBP income, so it is worth factoring into your budget from the outset.

Using a specialist FX dealer

Exchanging through a specialist FX dealer rather than a high-street or private bank can save up to 3–4% on your exchange rate — on a €150,000 deposit, that is €4,500–€6,000. We can introduce you to our trusted FX dealer partners experienced in cross-border French property transactions.

How to manage your currency exposure

Forward Contract Lock in today’s exchange rate for a payment due at a future date — ideal for securing your deposit or completion funds once your exchange date is confirmed.
Regular Payment Plan Automate your monthly mortgage repayments at an agreed rate, removing the need to monitor exchange movements each month.
Market Order Set a target rate and convert automatically when the market reaches it — useful for non-urgent transfers where you want to optimise timing without watching the market daily.
Spot Transaction Same-day or next-day conversion at the current live rate, for immediate payments such as your deposit or notaire fees.

Tax Considerations

What UK buyers need to know about French property tax

French property ownership creates tax obligations in both France and the UK. The areas below cover what most UK buyers will encounter — and, for higher-value purchases, what additional considerations may apply.

Capital Gains Tax (UK)

UK residents disposing of French property are generally subject to UK Capital Gains Tax on any gain. The UK-France double taxation treaty prevents double taxation — you receive credit for French tax paid against your UK liability. Annual exemptions and personal reliefs may apply.

IFI — French Wealth Tax

UK residents with French real estate holdings above €1.3 million may be subject to IFI, France’s wealth tax. Outstanding mortgage debt can be deducted from the taxable base — meaning financing rather than buying outright can reduce your liability.

French Capital Gains Tax

France taxes gains at a headline rate of 19%, plus social charges. Taper relief applies progressively after 5 years of ownership, reducing to zero for CGT after 22 years and zero for social charges after 30 years — making French property particularly efficient for patient holders.

Ongoing property taxes

French property owners pay Taxe Foncière annually. Taxe d’Habitation has been progressively abolished for most second-home owners. New-build properties are exempt from Taxe Foncière for the first two years following completion.

Disclaimer: The above is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. We can introduce clients to our panel of lawyers and accountants experienced in structuring French property purchases efficiently.

Ownership Structures

How UK buyers hold French property

How you structure ownership of your French property can affect your inheritance planning, tax position, and flexibility when transferring or selling in the future. The right approach depends on your personal circumstances, family structure, and financial planning goals.

Structure Summary Typical Use
Personal Ownership The simplest approach — property held in your name or jointly with a partner. Standard French inheritance rules apply unless varied by a will or marriage regime. Most holiday home buyers. Clear personal ownership profile.
Joint Ownership Two or more co-owners, each holding a defined share. Each share passes to the owner’s estate on death. Disputes between co-owners can complicate future management or sale. Purchases between friends or business partners wanting separate ownership of a defined share.
SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) A French property holding company. Owners hold shares rather than the property directly. Can simplify inheritance planning and enable gifting of shares over time. UK tax treatment requires specialist advice. Family property planning, multi-generational ownership, buyers wishing to pass the property to children efficiently.
UK Limited Company Generally not recommended. French tax authorities typically look through UK companies for IFI and income tax purposes, creating additional complexity without meaningful benefit. Rarely appropriate for French property. Independent advice essential before proceeding.

Private Bank Financing

Complex UK income profile?
Private bank financing may suit you.

International Private Bank Network

Monaco

Switzerland

Luxembourg

Standard French high-street lenders have defined criteria that suit a majority of buyers but not all. For UK buyers purchasing above £1 million, holding wealth primarily in assets under management, seeking interest-only facilities, or with complex income structures, our network of banks offers financing that standard brokers cannot.

Private bank mortgages are arranged through our network of banks. We do not name specific institutions publicly, but terms, flexibility and discretion are meaningfully superior to high-street lending for the right profile.

International Private Bank Network

Monaco

Switzerland

Luxembourg

How we work

We handle the complexity.
You focus on the property.

1

Tell us what you’re trying to do

A first conversation — no forms, no jargon. We listen to your UK income profile, your property objectives in France, your timeline and your deposit position. From there we tell you quickly what’s realistic.

2

We find the right lender for your UK profile

Not every French lender suits every UK buyer. PAYE, self-employed, director and pension profiles are all assessed differently. We search our full network and match you with the right lender.

3

We manage the application

We prepare your documentation, submit to the lender and keep things moving. Pre-approval for UK buyers typically comes through within 2–3 weeks — giving you confidence to proceed when you sign the Compromis de Vente.

4

Keys in hand

We stay with you through the cooling-off period, the notaire appointment and right through to completion. French mortgage completions have specific timing requirements — we make sure yours runs smoothly.

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say about us

“Trustworthy, professional people that not only care about the clients, but also provide their clients with eagerly needed help when it comes to acquiring property, transfer the funding, getting all the paperwork in place.”

“I recommend Worldwide Property Co. highly and without reservation. They worked tirelessly on our behalf to deliver solutions for our project, and they well and truly made what seemed impossible, possible. They were always very responsive on email.”

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“How do you review a company that excels under pressure, works tirelessly and relentlessly, provides constant communication and connects you with all the right people! Five stars are simply not enough.”

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“Buying property overseas comes with added risks and stress, especially without experience. The team at Worldwide Property Co. has that experience to support and guide you through the mine field. They are true professionals in their market.”

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“If you’re looking for a holiday home overseas, then Worldwide Property Company is your best choice. They know how to get funding in even the most complex circumstances and work really hard for you to get the best results!”

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“Worldwide Property Co. was extremely helpful in providing great advice and then pushing the mortgage application along to successful completion.”

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Get Started

Ready to explore your French mortgage as a UK buyer?

One conversation with our brokers will clarify what’s available to you as a UK buyer, what it will cost, and how to structure it. No jargon, no obligation.

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FAQs

French Mortgage Questions for UK Buyers

Further Reading

Guides for UK Buyers in France