The landscape for real estate buyers in France is becoming more favorable, as banks are easing the deposit required for mortgage loans. According to recent data from mortgage broker Finance Conseil, the average down payment has dropped from 38% of the loan amount in 2023 to 28% as of October 2025—a substantial 10-point decrease over two years. For first-time buyers, the improvement is even more pronounced, with personal contributions now falling below the symbolic 20% threshold to just 18%.
First-Time Buyers See the Biggest Gains
For those taking their first step onto the property ladder, the average required down payment has plummeted from €44,700 in 2023 to €28,600 today. This translates to welcome relief for aspiring homeowners—especially younger buyers—who have previously found it harder to break into the market due to hefty savings thresholds.
The reduction is particularly noticeable in certain regions. Hauts-de-France leads the way, with the average deposit for first-timers at €13,900 (down by nearly €25,000 in a single year), followed by northern Nouvelle Aquitaine (€14,300), and Occitanie (€23,800). By contrast, regions like Ile-de-France (€66,800), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (€56,200), and Rhône-Alpes (€41,000) remain more challenging for newcomers due to higher property prices and larger contributions required.
Why the Drop in Deposit Requirements?
This shift can be attributed to banks relaxing their lending policies in response to stabilizing market conditions and growing competition among lenders. With interest rates having stabilized after the recent inflation surge, banks are keen to attract more borrowers, including those who may not have substantial savings.
As a result, the overall household burden for deposits is easing, especially for first-timers. While the average down payment for all buyers is still high compared to historic norms, the direction of movement offers optimism to those looking to buy their first home.
Is a 0% Deposit Mortgage Back?
Not quite, but there are signs of a cautious return to so-called 110% loans—mortgages that cover not only the property price but also additional expenses like transfer taxes and guarantee fees. Once common when interest rates were at record lows, they vanished during the inflation crisis but now make up less than 10% of new mortgages, according to broker Cafpi.
These 0% or low-deposit loans are typically reserved for borrowers with strong income or highly secure careers, such as young professionals on a promising trajectory or civil servants.
Building a Down Payment: Tips for Buyers
For most buyers, some savings are still essential. Here are a few strategies to help you build your deposit:
- Start saving regularly at least six months ahead of your mortgage application.
- Explore support from family members through donations.
- Investigate eligibility for subsidized or government-backed loans, which can sometimes replace the required deposit.
- Be cautious with consumer loans to finance your deposit, as they can be costly and risky.
- Consider third-party companies such as Virgil, which can provide deposit cash in exchange for a share of your property—but read the fine print carefully before committing.
Don’t Settle: Shop Around for Your Best Deal
Perhaps the most important tip for buyers in France’s evolving mortgage landscape: always compare offers from multiple banks. Lending criteria and appetites can differ widely—even within the same neighborhood. A bank that rejects your application may be matched by another ready to welcome you, with or without a deposit.
France’s real estate market is signaling a brighter outlook for buyers, as down payment requirements ease and banks compete more aggressively for customers. For first-time buyers, the new realities could mean that homeownership is more accessible than at any point in recent years. As always, careful planning, thorough research, and diligent comparison of offers remain the best ways to seize the opportunity.
