A French mortgage after Brexit
Good news first: Brexit did not take away a UK national’s right to buy in France. What changed is your status as a borrower. Since 2021 you are treated as a non-EU non-resident, usually with a higher deposit. Here is what moved, and what did not.
General information. This is not an offer of credit or personalised advice, and no rate is guaranteed. Yann Nachtrieb, registered mortgage broker (COBSP) and insurance broker (COA), and financial investment adviser (CIF), ORIAS no. 26009903.
What changed for the mortgage
Since 1 January 2021, a UK national is, for France, a citizen of a third country outside the European Union. For financing, this does not close the door: French banks still lend to UK buyers. But they now place them among non-EU non-residents, a group they usually ask for a larger deposit, frequently in the region of 20 to 30% of the price, sometimes more.
The debt rule (around 35% of income) and the treatment of foreign-currency income, with a margin of caution, apply as for any non-resident.
What did not change
The most important point is untouched: a UK national can still buy freely in France, second homes included. Buying costs (notaire fees, around 7 to 8% on an existing home) and purchase taxes are not changed by Brexit. The process at the notaire is the same as for any buyer.
One point belongs to immigration, not to the mortgage: since Brexit, a UK non-resident owner may stay in France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a residence permit; beyond that, a long-stay visa is needed. This is a matter to check with official French sources, and it does not affect your ability to buy or to borrow.
Before and after Brexit
| Point | After Brexit |
|---|---|
| Right to buy | Unchanged, free to purchase |
| Access to a mortgage | Still available, as non-EU non-resident |
| Deposit required | Usually higher (20 to 30%, sometimes more) |
| Buying costs and taxes | Unchanged |
| Staying (not a mortgage matter) | 90 days / 180 without a residence permit |
General, indicative benchmarks. The stay rule is an immigration matter, to check with official sources. No acceptance or rate is guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UK national still buy in France?
Yes, with no Brexit-related restriction. The right to buy property in France has not changed for UK nationals. Only your status as a borrower has shifted, to non-EU non-resident.
Did Brexit make a mortgage impossible?
No. French banks still lend to UK buyers, generally with a larger deposit, as for any non-EU non-resident. The terms depend on the bank and the file.
How long can I stay in my French home?
Without a residence permit, a UK non-resident owner can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Beyond that, a long-stay visa is required. This is an immigration matter, to check with official sources.
UK buyer, a project in France?
Book a free 45-minute call, in English. Brexit does not stop you buying or borrowing; we look at what it changes for your file.