Equity release in France offers a unique combination of liquidity, flexibility and legal protection. It enables homeowners to access capital tied up in real estate without selling, paying income tax or losing ownership. Whether the structure is a lifetime mortgage, a mortgage-backed loan or a deferred-price sale, each is executed under French notarial law, ensuring transparency and security. For residents, expatriates and investors alike, this model provides a practical, safe and strategic way to manage wealth locked inside property — a tool that complements retirement, inheritance and financial-planning goals. PraxiFinance, founded in 1990 with offices in Paris and Nice, structures each operation under strict legal control for both French and international clients.
A tool for liquidity without loss of ownership
Equity release converts illiquid property value into cash while ownership and occupancy remain intact. It is neither a sale nor a commercial loan: the property acts as collateral and the funds are wired through the notary’s escrow account. Owners can use the cash for renovations, tax settlement, family assistance, business expansion or to improve quality of life.
Because the proceeds are a loan, not income, no income tax applies. The operation concludes only when the property is sold or transferred to heirs, at which point the notary repays the balance transparently from sale proceeds.
Internal note : this principle is identical across the three French mechanisms described on the pages for the lifetime mortgage in France, the mortgage-backed loan in France and the sale with deferred price simulator.
No mandatory monthly repayments
A major advantage is the absence of compulsory monthly instalments. In a lifetime mortgage, interest is capitalised annually and cleared only when the loan ends. In mortgage-backed loans, borrowers choose between amortising and interest-only structures depending on income stability. This flexibility allows retirees, self-employed owners and expatriates — profiles often rejected by traditional banks — to secure liquidity without monthly strain.
All fees and rates appear in the notarial deed before signature, giving full cost visibility.
Legal protection through notarial supervision
Every equity-release operation passes through a notary (notaire), providing three essential guarantees:
- Verification of ownership and existing charges.
- Authentication of all signatures and registration of any mortgage.
- Secure fund transfer through the notary’s escrow account.
This structure ensures compliance with French mortgage and property law, protecting both borrower and heirs. The same discipline governs all transactions covered in the section on safe equity release in France.
A flexible instrument for multiple objectives
Equity release adapts to almost any ownership profile. Retirees use it to improve living comfort; families finance children’s property purchases; entrepreneurs bridge cash-flow gaps or consolidate business debt; expatriates refinance when foreign income prevents access to retail loans. Because ownership remains unchanged, the property can still be sold, rented or transmitted later. The notary simply repays the loan at that time.
Key advantages at a glance
Estate-planning and inheritance advantages
For families, equity release simplifies succession. Because every operation is recorded in a notarial deed, heirs know exactly what is owed. Upon death, the notary sells or refinances the property, repays the loan and transfers any surplus to the heirs. The mechanism eliminates disputes and clarifies inheritance accounting.
It also allows older owners to transfer part of their wealth during life — for instance by helping children purchase property — without triggering immediate gift or income tax. The equity-release balance is settled later from the estate.
Practical examples
- A retiree in Paris unlocks €250 000 from a €1 million apartment through a lifetime mortgage, financing renovations and helping children with down-payments.
- A couple in Provence uses a mortgage-backed loan to consolidate debts and invest in a second home.
- An expatriate family in Bordeaux executes a deferred-price sale to free liquidity before an international move.
In every case, ownership remains with the family, funds are wired securely by the notary, and heirs retain a clear inheritance position.
Safety and transparency with PraxiFinance
PraxiFinance structures each case with rigorous due diligence:
- verified property title and existing charges;
- independent valuation by certified experts;
- pre-notarial legal review;
- bilingual contracts where required.
Clients receive a comprehensive breakdown of interest, fees and repayment logic before signature. This process guarantees transparency, compliance with French mortgage law and alignment with the client’s tax-residency rules.
PraxiFinance’s long-standing network of notaries and institutional lenders ensures every transaction meets both French and international standards for consumer protection.
Additional advantages beyond liquidity
- Flexibility of use – funds can be reinvested, donated or reserved.
- Predictable cost – fixed interest rate defined at signature.
- Estate clarity – all data centralised in the notarial system.
- Eligibility for non-residents – foreign owners benefit from the same protection.
- Fast execution – 8 to 10 weeks from initial meeting to funds.
These cumulative strengths make equity release a cornerstone of modern wealth management in France, detailed further on the equity-release regulations page.
Potential limits to consider
- Property value threshold. Below roughly €300 000, equity release may be uneconomical due to fixed fees.
- Title irregularities. Unregistered extensions or pending inheritances must be resolved before signing.
- Interest accumulation. For lifetime mortgages, heirs must plan repayment or resale at term.
PraxiFinance reviews these points during the initial consultation to confirm eligibility and mitigate risks before commitment.
How the process unfolds
1 – Initial consultation and document check (48 hours).
2 – Independent valuation by certified expert (7 days).
3 – Offer design and bilingual summary (1 week).
4 – Drafting and signature before notary (2 – 3 weeks).
5 – Fund release via notarial escrow (24 hours after registration).
Total duration: approximately eight to ten weeks, identical to timelines described in the section on how equity release works in France.
Why choose PraxiFinance
Since 1990 PraxiFinance has specialised exclusively in property-monetisation and equity-release strategies. The firm operates independently from banks, ensuring objective analysis and full transparency.
- 35 years of experience.
- National network of notaries and valuers.
- Tailored solutions for residents and non-residents.
- Fixed-fee transparency, no brokerage surprises.
- Offices in Paris and Nice; meetings anywhere in France.
PraxiFinance’s role is to protect owners, not just finance them. Each operation balances liquidity needs with inheritance preservation and tax neutrality.
FAQ – Advantages of Equity Release in France
Is equity release always tax-free?
Yes. The funds are classified as a loan, not income. Only notary and registration fees apply.
Can I sell my property later?
Yes. You remain owner and can sell anytime; the notary repays the balance from sale proceeds.
Will my heirs lose the home?
No. They may repay the balance to keep it or sell and keep the surplus.
Do foreigners enjoy the same benefits?
Yes. French property law protects all owners, regardless of nationality or residence.
How long does it take?
Generally eight to ten weeks, depending on valuation and notarial scheduling.
Can equity release be combined with other financing?
Yes, in some cases it complements a remortgage or bridge loan; PraxiFinance models both scenarios objectively.
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