Can I Arrange a Mortgage If I Am Retiring to France?

Can I Arrange a Mortgage If I Am Retiring to France?

Short answer: yes. Retiring to France doesn’t preclude you from accessing mortgage finance — in fact, French lenders regularly approve loans for retirees, both before and after relocation. The key lies in understanding how banks assess income sustainability, age thresholds, and legal residency. Encouragingly, the process is more flexible than many anticipate — and doesn’t always require life insurance.

Yes, Retirees Can Secure Mortgages in France

French banks do not exclude retirees from mortgage lending. Whether you are moving to Provence, the Dordogne, or the Riviera, financing a home for retirement is entirely possible. Mortgage applications can be submitted while you’re still living abroad or once you’ve established residency — both paths are open, although each comes with its own nuances.

Lenders in France are primarily concerned with three things:

  • Sustainable income

  • Right of residency

  • Age at final repayment

Let’s explore each of these pillars.

Income: The Foundation of Your Application

Unlike borrowers in full-time employment, retirees must demonstrate a stable, ongoing income stream to support repayments. In most cases, this will take the form of:

  • Public or private pensions

  • Social security or government retirement benefits

  • Structured investment income

What matters is not where the income comes from, but that it is predictable, verifiable, and euro-denominated (or easily converted for underwriting). Lenders will calculate your debt-to-income ratio using French standards, which typically require monthly housing costs to remain below one-third of net income.

High-net-worth retirees may also strengthen their case through demonstrable liquidity, such as savings, property equity, or financial portfolios — particularly when supported by a French-based broker who understands how to frame wealth in terms French lenders accept.

Residency: Evidence of Legal Right to Live in France

To qualify for a French mortgage, you must prove your legal right to reside in the country. EU citizens benefit from automatic mobility, while non-EU nationals — including UK, US, and Middle East retirees — must hold a long-stay visa (visa long séjour) or residency permit (carte de séjour).

Banks are increasingly familiar with international buyers settling in France for retirement. However, processing tends to be smoother if you already hold — or are in the final stages of obtaining — your residence documents at the time of application.

If you plan to apply before relocating, it is advisable to include proof of your visa application or acceptance, along with your intended address and relocation timeline.

Age Limits: Repayment Must Conclude Before 75

One constraint retirees must plan for is the repayment age ceiling.

While French law does not impose a universal maximum borrowing age, in practice:

  • Most lenders will require full repayment of the loan before the borrower’s 75th birthday

  • Some lenders may accept repayment up to age 80, especially for conservative loan amounts or with collateral support

This directly affects the loan term available. For instance, a 65-year-old applicant will typically be offered a maximum 10-year term. This shorter amortisation period has two implications:

  1. Monthly repayments will be higher than on a 20+ year term

  2. Loan size may be capped unless supported by a strong income-to-debt ratio

That said, well-structured assets and high liquidity can mitigate these limitations. Brokers experienced in retirement lending often succeed in tailoring bespoke solutions, especially when the property itself is of strong value and in a liquid location.

Life Insurance: Not Always Required

Unlike some jurisdictions, France does not automatically require mortgage life insurance for every borrower — and this can work in retirees’ favour.

Traditionally, French lenders did mandate term life insurance to cover the mortgage in case of death or disability. However, with age-based premiums becoming prohibitively expensive for older applicants, many lenders now:

  • Offer waivers for life insurance on a case-by-case basis

  • Accept partial coverage or alternative securities

  • Evaluate applications based solely on income sustainability

This pragmatic flexibility means that retirees with solid pensions and/or cash reserves may not need to secure costly insurance to obtain a mortgage.

When to Apply: Before or After You Move?

The good news is: you can apply either before or after relocating to France. Each route has advantages:

  • Before Relocating: Ideal for buyers who want certainty of financing while searching for property. Many banks will offer a “decision in principle” to allow you to act quickly once a suitable home is found.

  • After Relocating: Enhances your residency profile and may streamline the process. If your pension is being paid into a French bank account, underwriting is often faster and simpler.

Both options are viable, and the choice often comes down to timing and the role your mortgage will play in the broader wealth strategy.

Key Takeaways for Retirees Seeking Mortgages in France

✅ Yes, retirees can obtain French mortgages — both residents and non-residents are eligible

✅ Proof of stable pension income is essential

✅ Repayment must typically conclude before age 75

✅ Life insurance is not always mandatory

✅ Applications can be made before or after relocating

Final Thought

Financing a French home in retirement is not only possible — it is increasingly common among internationally mobile individuals seeking lifestyle and legacy. With prudent planning, the right documentation, and the support of an expert broker, retirees can unlock competitive lending options and turn their vision of life in France into a well-financed reality.

For tailored advice on retirement financing, including pre-qualification assessments and lender matching, contact Blue Sky’s cross-border mortgage team.