For many UK residents, the dream of owning a holiday home, investment property or second residence in Franceremains as compelling as ever — thanks to France’s lifestyle appeal, strong tourism economy, and stable long‑term property values. In 2026, financing that dream is entirely achievable, but doing so requires a clear understanding of how French mortgages work for international buyers, especially in the context of post‑Brexit realities.

This guide breaks down the essentials UK buyers need to navigate the French mortgage market with confidence.

Can UK Residents Still Get French Mortgages? Yes – But With Nuance

Despite concerns following Brexit, UK citizens retain full legal rights to purchase property in France and can access mortgages from French banks and lenders. There is no legal restriction on UK buyers owning property in France in 2026, though lenders may scrutinise applications more closely than before.

French mortgages for non‑resident buyers — including UK residents — are widely available, but underwriting standards tend to be more conservative, and the terms and criteria differ from what UK buyers may be accustomed to at home.

Mortgage Availability and Key Terms for UK Buyers

Loan‑to‑Value (LTV): Up to ~85% in Strong Cases

One of the most important considerations when planning your purchase is how much you can borrow. French lenders commonly express this as Loan‑to‑Value (LTV) — the percentage of the property’s value they will finance. For UK buyers:

• Maximum LTV can be around 80–85% of the purchase price for well‑qualified applicants.

• In practice, many lenders prefer LTV at 75–80% for non‑residents, depending on income strength, assets, and overall financial profile.

• A larger deposit (20–30% or more) improves your chances of securing higher leverage.

Unlike some markets where mortgages over 90% are common, 100% finance is rare for non‑residents and usually reserved for residents or special circumstances.

Interest Rates in 2026: Competitive But Variable

Interest rates in France in 2026 remain historically competitive — attractive relative to many other European markets — but have shifted upward from the very low rates seen earlier in the decade:

• Typical rates for well‑qualified non‑resident buyers sit between roughly 3.5% and 4.5% depending on lender and borrower profile.

• These rates can vary based on loan size, term, and whether the loan is fixed or variable.

Unlike the UK, French mortgages traditionally favour long‑term fixed‑rate products (e.g., 15–25 years), which provide payment certainty over the life of the loan.

Variable or index‑linked options — many tied to Euribor benchmarks — are also available, though these carry different risk profiles if interest rates trend higher in future years.

Interest‑Only Mortgages: Possible, But Selective

Interest‑only financing — where you pay just the interest during the loan term and repay principal at the end — is not the norm in French retail banking for second homes and investment properties.

However, for high‑net‑worth (HNW) individuals or those with significant assets, interest‑only options do exist through private banks and bespoke lending channels. These arrangements often require:

• A strong asset base or investment relationship with the lending institution

• Significant liquid assets pledged or under management

• Willingness to accept specific terms, such as periodic review, shorter interest‑only periods, or hybrid structures

For luxury properties and large‑ticket investments, these bespoke interest‑only structures can provide cash‑flow flexibilityand matching to rental or yield‑driven business plans.

Minimum Loan Amounts: Banks Set Practical Floors

Many French lenders will set a minimum mortgage amount on non‑resident loans, reflecting the administrative burden and compliance costs of international lending. While exact thresholds vary, guidance suggests that:

• Minimum loans of around €200,000 or more are typical for non‑residents in 2026.

Smaller loan amounts may still be possible through specialist lenders, but they often come with higher relative fees or stricter conditions.

Brexit‑Related Considerations: What UK Buyers Should Know

While Brexit has not stopped UK nationals from accessing French mortgages, it has influenced how lenders view and process international applications:

• French banks no longer have the streamlined EU enforcement mechanisms for recovery and cross‑border enforcement that existed when the UK was an EU member. This can make lenders more cautious with large or complex cases.

• Some lenders may apply different criteria for UK residents (now classed as non‑EU) compared with EU citizens, such as higher deposits or more thorough document requirements.

• While there is no formal “HNW certificate” requirement nationwide, certain lenders may request documentation denoting high net worth status (e.g., proof of substantial assets or liquidity). This documentation aims to meet regulatory requirements.

In all cases, thorough preparation of your financial dossier — income proof, international tax status, assets and liabilities — will significantly improve the chances of approval.

Tips for UK Buyers: Getting the Best Outcome

1. Engage a specialist broker early. French mortgage underwriting can vary widely between lenders; an expert broker can help identify the most suitable institutions and terms.

2. Prepare documentation carefully. Expect detailed requirements around income, savings, employment or business records, and overseas assets.

3. Plan deposits and currency. Transfers from the UK into French accounts require careful timing and cost‑efficiency planning — working with FX specialists can save significant expense.

4. Consider loan structure. Whether a long‑term fixed rate or a hybrid option makes most sense depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

For UK residents eyeing a French holiday home or investment in 2026, the international mortgage landscape remains open and functional — provided you understand the standards and expectations of French lenders. With up to ~85% LTV available, competitive fixed or Euribor‑linked interest rate options, and even interest‑only structures for HNW investors, there are viable paths to financing your French property. While Brexit has introduced some practical caution in underwriting, preparation, expert guidance, and strategic dossier presentation will put you in the strongest position to secure the right mortgage for your objectives.