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Finding a mortgage in France to suit your needs is a straightforward process. Mortgage lenders such as HBSC, UCB (formerly Abbey National) and Barclays, plus a host of other French banks, offer flexible loans of up to 85% of the property value, often for up to 20 or 25 years. In addition, banks in France can often lend for renovation work on the property. Please read on to find out what you need to provide to get a mortgage, plus a few facts and figures about borrowing to buy on the Riviera. We have a comprehensive list of mortgage lenders and mortgage information on our useful links page.
Preparing for your mortgage application
What documentation do you need? Although you have either 30 or 45 days to get a mortgage (depending on the contract) after the Compromis de Vente has been signed, it's best to start to building your mortgage file as quickly as possible. What follows should be everything you need to send to your mortgage lender in France as you move into the purchase process.
1a) If you are employed Letter from employer(s) specifying your professional status, length of service and gross annual income Copy of your last 3 most recent salary slips and most recent P6O
1b) If you are self employed Photocopies of the last 2 years certified balance sheets and profit and loss accounts Photocopies of the last 2 years personal tax returns (complete) and the most recent notice of assessment
2) Your income details Statement of any income other than from principal employment (including rental income, tenancy agreements and bank statements showing the rental income) Statement of any investment income declared Statement of any pension income received
3) Other personal documents Photocopies of each applicant’s passport showing photograph and personal details, and carte de séjour if resident in France Photocopy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate or divorce decree Last rental statement (if you are a tenant) Most recent statements for all existing loans/mortgages and credit cards Photocopies of the 3 most recent months’ continuous bank statements showing income, loans, mortgages and regular outgoings A voided cheque from this account
4) Property documents Copy of ‘compromis de vente’ - this is vital If you are building a new property: property title or preliminary sales agreement for the land and building licence - building contract and plans Plus: Photocopies of all the quotations and insurance certificates for the builders For an existing property, completed constructions or those sold under VEFA contract: sales agreement or reservation contract For renovation or improvement works to be carried out, and paid for by the mortgage: professional estimates or invoices For re-mortgage and equity release: title deed, loan deed, complete repayment table (current)
5) Other Information required Proof of deposit – statement showing the lump sum that you are putting into the project A utility bill. (valid within the last 3 months) List of other banks that you have already approached if applicable
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