Can You Buy Property in France Through a Company and Get a Mortgage?

A Guide for International Buyers (2026)

Many international investors and families purchasing property in France ask the same question: Is it possible to buy property through a company and still obtain a mortgage?

The answer is yes. It is entirely possible to purchase French real estate through a company and arrange financing. However, the structure must follow French legal rules, and banks apply specific requirements when lending to a corporate entity.

In most cases, the company must be registered in France, and the most commonly used structures are SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) or SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée).

Buying Property Through a French Company

French law allows property to be owned by a company rather than directly by individuals. When this structure is used, the company becomes the legal owner of the property, while the individuals involved own shares in the company.

Two company structures are typically used for property ownership:

SCI (Société Civile Immobilière)
A property holding company specifically designed to own and manage real estate. This is the most common structure for families or investors.

SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée)
A limited liability company that may also be used to hold property, particularly when the property is connected to a business activity.

These structures are widely used in France for family ownership, joint purchases, and long-term estate planning.

Can a Company Obtain a Mortgage in France?

Yes, French banks can provide a mortgage to a company purchasing property.

In this case:

  • The company is the borrower

  • The property is used as collateral

  • The beneficial owners act as personal guarantors

This personal guarantee is an important requirement. Although the company is the legal borrower, banks almost always require the shareholders to guarantee the loan personally.

This means that if the company cannot repay the mortgage, the bank can pursue the shareholders individually.

Because of this structure, lenders will review:

  • the financial position of the shareholders

  • the stability of their income and assets

  • the company structure itself.

Why Buyers Use an SCI or SARL

Buying property through a company is usually done for structuring and planning purposes rather than financing advantages.

Common reasons include:

Inheritance planning
Company shares can be transferred gradually to family members, which can simplify succession planning.

Joint ownership
Several family members or investors can hold shares in the company.

Clear management structure
The property is managed by the company rather than multiple individuals.

Asset management flexibility
Shares can be transferred more easily than property titles.

For these reasons, the SCI structure is particularly popular for family-owned French property.

How Long It Takes to Set Up the Company

Before a property can be purchased through a company, the company must first be established.

Setting up an SCI or SARL generally takes between two and six weeks, depending on how quickly the documents are prepared and registered.

The typical process involves:

  1. Drafting the company statutes

  2. Identifying shareholders and appointing a company manager

  3. Registering the company with the French business registry

  4. Opening a company bank account

Once the company is officially registered, the property purchase can proceed in the company’s name.

Typical Costs of Buying Through a Company

Purchasing property through a company involves additional administrative costs compared with buying in a personal name.

These may include:

Company formation costs
Legal drafting, registration fees, and professional advice.

Accounting and administration
The company must maintain accounts and comply with certain administrative obligations each year.

Mortgage costs
As with any French mortgage, there will be notary fees and mortgage registration costs.

While these additional expenses exist, many buyers consider them worthwhile because of the ownership flexibility and estate planning benefits.

When Is Buying Through a Company Appropriate?

Buying property through a company is typically considered in situations such as:

  • family property ownership structures

  • high-value real estate investments

  • inheritance planning

  • joint purchases involving multiple investors.

For a simple second-home purchase, direct ownership may sometimes be simpler. However, for long-term family planning or shared ownership, a company structure can offer significant advantages.

Final Thoughts

It is entirely possible to buy property in France through a company and obtain a mortgage, provided the company is registered in France and the shareholders are willing to act as personal guarantors.

Structures such as SCI and SARL are widely used by investors and families who want greater flexibility in ownership, inheritance planning, and property management.

However, because this approach involves additional legal structuring, administration, and lender requirements, professional guidance is essential before proceeding.

BlueSky Finance helps international buyers structure property purchases in France, including mortgage solutions for properties owned through SCI or SARL company structures.