French banks still lend to people living in the UK. A strong file can borrow 70–80% of the price, under the same 35% debt ceiling as a French resident, with your UK mortgage counted against it. The work is in presenting sterling income in a way a French credit team can check, and in picking a bank that is taking UK files this quarter.
What changed after Brexit
Since 2021, UK residents are third-country borrowers for French banks. A few lenders stepped back, and some regional banks closed accounts held by UK residents. Most banks that lend to non-residents carried on, and in practice UK applicants are often offered financing close to what EU residents get. What changed most is the paperwork: banks now look harder at proof of address, tax residence and the source of your deposit.
Borrowing in euros on sterling income
Your loan will be in euros and your salary in pounds. The bank sees that as a risk to your ability to repay, so expect one or more of these:
- your income converted at a cautious rate, or with a margin taken off;
- a request for savings or a few months of repayments held with the bank;
- a preference for a fixed rate over the whole term, which most French loans are anyway.
Plan the currency side as carefully as the loan. Converting a €200,000 deposit through a high-street bank can cost several thousand pounds more than a specialist, and a forward contract can fix the exchange rate on the day you sign the compromis for a transfer on completion day. Monthly repayments can be sent automatically at a fixed margin. Our currency partner handles both.
UK documents French banks recognise
- Passport and a recent council tax bill or utility bill
- Employed: last three payslips, your latest P60 and an employment contract or employer letter
- Self-employed or company director: SA302 tax calculations and tax year overviews for two to three years, plus filed company accounts
- Three to six months of statements for each current account
- Your latest UK mortgage statement and any other credit agreements
- Proof of the deposit: savings statements, sale of shares, or the remortgage offer if you are releasing equity
French banks do not read UK credit reports. They read these documents, so send them complete, recent and in one bundle.
Lenders used to UK files
Crédit Agricole's Britline service, run by the Normandy regional bank, has worked with UK and Irish residents for more than 25 years and offers mortgages through Crédit Agricole regional banks, subject to their approval. Several national banks have international desks, and private banks lend to UK residents on larger amounts when you place assets with them. Which of these is active for your profile and region changes from one quarter to the next.
Your UK mortgage counts
The 35% ceiling covers every loan you repay, wherever it is. If you release equity from your UK home to fund the deposit, the new UK repayment is added to the French one. Buy-to-let mortgages are usually netted against their rent, partially. Work this out before you make an offer: a broker can test whether remortgaging at home or borrowing more in France gives the better result.
Tax points to settle before you buy
These are general points, not advice for your situation. French Tax Online can review it.
- Rental income from a French property is taxed in France and declared in the UK, with credit for French tax under the France–UK tax treaty.
- Wealth tax on property (IFI) applies when your French property is worth more than €1.3 million net. Debt taken out to buy it can reduce the taxable value, within limits.
- When you sell, French capital gains tax and social charges apply. As a UK resident you will usually need an accredited fiscal representative for sales above €150,000.
- Inheritance. British nationals can choose English law for their estate in a will, under the EU Succession Regulation, although a 2021 French law lets children claim a share of French assets in some cases. Discuss it with a notaire through French Notaires before deciding whose names go on the deed.
Buying without being in France
You do not need to be present for every step. The notaire can prepare a power of attorney so someone signs the deed for you. Loan offers are accepted after the 10-day reflection period, by post or, with many banks, electronically. Budget one trip to view and sign the compromis, and possibly a second for completion if you prefer to sign in person.
Questions UK buyers ask
Do French banks still lend to UK residents after Brexit?
Yes. Fewer lenders are active than before 2021, but those that are often offer UK applicants financing close to EU residents, typically 70–80% of the price for strong files.
Can I get a French mortgage in pounds?
French property loans are almost always in euros. Plan to convert repayments monthly, and consider fixing the exchange rate for the deposit with a forward contract.
Can I get a mortgage in France from the UK?
Yes. Several French banks lend to UK residents, and the whole process can be handled from the UK by email, video and post, with a power of attorney for the deed if you cannot travel.
Should I remortgage in the UK instead?
Sometimes. Releasing equity at home can be cheaper or simpler, but it leaves a sterling loan against a euro asset and still counts against the French bank's 35% ceiling if you borrow in France too. The UK or French mortgage guide compares both.
Next step
Tell us about your purchase in the eligibility check. We will introduce you to one broker who regularly places UK files with French banks.