Equity release exists in France, but it operates very differently from the UK market. Here it is a notary-supervised legal mechanism that enables homeowners to unlock liquidity from their property while keeping ownership and occupancy. For foreign homeowners, expatriates and retirees whose wealth is concentrated in their homes, French law offers three regulated ways to release equity: the lifetime mortgage, the mortgage-backed loan, and the sale with deferred price. Each route has its own eligibility rules, property criteria and legal safeguards designed to protect both borrower and heirs. PraxiFinance, founded in 1990 in Paris and Nice, has become the reference for notarial equity release in France. Our teams work with international clients from Monaco to Bordeaux, providing bilingual support and transparent coordination with French notaries and valuers.
What “available” really means in France
In the UK, “equity release” describes a financial-product category sold by private providers. In France, it refers to a regulated framework built into the Civil Code. The difference is fundamental: every transaction must pass through a notary who authenticates the deed and registers it in the national land registry.
French equity release still provides cash without requiring you to move, but the mechanics depend on real-estate law, not retail lending policy. The lifetime mortgage serves senior owners who want liquidity without repayments, the mortgage-backed loan targets active profiles able to service a term loan, and the deferred-price sale offers a non-loan alternative when speed is critical or a sale is pending. All are described in the PraxiFinance knowledge base — see the lifetime mortgage in France, the mortgage-backed loan in France and the sale with deferred-price simulator for concrete illustrations.
Who can qualify as a foreign or expatriate owner
Foreigners and non-residents qualify as long as the property is located in France and meets valuation and legal standards. Age is decisive for lifetime mortgages (60 years +), while mortgage-backed loans remain open to active owners with repayment capacity or a documented exit strategy. Non-residents undergo the same compliance checks as residents: verified identity, proof of address, lawful source and destination of funds, and clear title.
If a property is co-owned, both owners sign the deed. Existing mortgages must be cleared, refinanced or small enough to fit within the new loan’s safe loan-to-value ratio. PraxiFinance handles these verifications with its notarial partners, ensuring eligibility before any commitment.
The three French routes to equity release
Lifetime mortgage
A long-term loan secured on your home. You receive a lump sum or staged payments but make no monthly repayments. Interest is added annually and repaid from sale proceeds when the agreement ends. The borrower keeps full ownership and lifetime occupancy. This structure is explained in depth on the lifetime-mortgage page.
Mortgage-backed loan
A property-secured loan with either amortising or interest-only repayments. It fits entrepreneurs, investors or professionals who require liquidity for business or investment and can cover interest or instalments. Many expatriates whose banking profiles fall outside retail standards use this option successfully. Technical details appear in the mortgage-backed-loan page.
Sale with deferred price
A notarial sale mechanism delivering immediate cash without creating debt. You receive a substantial advance now and the balance once the final sale to the market completes. This is often used when a sale is underway but liquidity is urgent. Because it is a sale, there is no interest or repayment. Examples and eligibility parameters can be explored through the deferred-price simulator.
Together, these three instruments form the backbone of safe equity release in France — a framework built to balance liquidity, legal protection and inheritance planning.
Eligibility checklist
Property conditions
- Must be located in France (metropolitan or overseas territories).
- Minimum market value: ≈ €400 000 for secured loans; ≈ €300 000 for deferred-price sales.
- Clear title with no ongoing legal disputes or unregistered works.
Owner requirements
- Age ≥ 60 for lifetime mortgage applicants.
- Legal capacity and full consent of all co-owners.
- Verified identity and residence documentation.
Documentation
- Passport or national ID + proof of address.
- French title deed (acte de propriété).
- Mortgage statement if applicable.
- Certified valuation report.
- Income documents or exit plan (for term loans).
Every equity-release file is executed by a notary who prepares the legal deed, verifies ownership, arranges registration and releases funds once compliance is complete.
Comparison of the three French equity-release routes
Typical timeline and fund release
A standard case takes about eight to ten weeks.
1 – Initial consultation and eligibility review.
2 – Independent valuation commissioned by PraxiFinance.
3 – Notary drafts the deed and prepares mortgage registration.
4 – Signature before the notary.
5 – Funds wired directly to your bank account.
If part of the proceeds repay an existing mortgage, the notary settles the bank first, then transfers the balance. This regulated process mirrors the one described in how equity release works in France.
Costs, interest and inheritance impact
Equity-release funds are legally loans and therefore tax-free. Standard fees include valuation and notarial costs (≈ 1.5 – 2 %).
- For lifetime mortgages, interest is rolled up and repaid at the end.
- For mortgage-backed loans, interest is monthly (amortising) or monthly interest-only (in fine).
- Deferred-price sales carry no interest but include transaction fees.
Heirs may choose either to repay the balance and keep the property or to sell and keep the surplus after repayment. Each option is secured by the notarial deed, which ensures clear accounting within the estate and compliance with French inheritance law as detailed on the equity-release-regulations page.
When equity release is not available
Equity release cannot proceed when title ownership is unclear (disputed inheritance, unregistered extensions or boundary issues). Lenders and investors also decline properties in unsafe condition or below minimum value thresholds. Owners under legal guardianship or lacking co-owner consent must regularise their situation before proceeding.
PraxiFinance’s role is to identify obstacles early and guide clients through regularisation, ensuring every transaction remains compliant and eligible for notarial approval.
Typical use-cases for foreign owners
Foreign and expatriate owners use equity release to fund renovation, clear a tax or debt obligation, assist family members with property purchases, finance relocation or stabilise cash flow in business cycles. Retirees favour lifetime mortgages for comfort and predictability; entrepreneurs select mortgage-backed loans for flexibility; and sellers adopt the deferred-price model to bridge timing gaps before final sale. All three preserve occupancy and ensure your name stays on the title.
Why PraxiFinance
Each PraxiFinance operation is executed before a notary with certified valuation and clear mortgage registration. This combination of financial engineering and notarial discipline makes French equity release both available and safe for international owners — provided the structure matches age, property and goals.
Operating since 1990, PraxiFinance delivers bilingual, end-to-end service for expatriates. Our integrated teams coordinate legal, fiscal and banking aspects to release cash quickly while maintaining ownership and inheritance control.
Key strengths
- 35 years of equity-release expertise.
- National network of notaries and valuers.
- Tailored bilingual service for non-residents.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
- Fund release in 8 – 10 weeks.
FAQ – Equity Release Availability in France
Is equity release available to UK or US expats?
Yes. Any property located in France can qualify under French law if eligibility criteria are met and a notary executes the deed.
Can I stay in my home after equity release?
Yes. All three routes preserve occupancy; loans preserve full ownership.
Is the cash tax-free?
Yes. It is treated as a loan, not income; valuation and notary fees still apply.
What is the minimum property value?
Approximately €400 000 for loans and €300 000 for deferred-price transactions.
How long does the process take?
About eight to ten weeks depending on valuation and notarial scheduling.
Will my heirs lose the house?
Only if they choose not to repay. They may repay to retain ownership or sell and keep the surplus.
For further legal insight and market context, PraxiFinance maintains dedicated pages on safe equity release in France and the best equity-release companies in France.
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