French Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payments for a standard French amortizing home loan (constant monthly payment model).
How to use this French mortgage calculator
This tool helps you estimate repayments for a home loan in France. Enter the property price, your down payment, annual interest rate, and loan term. The calculator then applies the standard French amortization method to estimate a fixed monthly repayment (excluding or including insurance, depending on what you choose).
- Property Price: Total purchase price of the property.
- Down Payment: Your personal contribution (apport personnel).
- Annual Interest Rate: Nominal yearly borrowing rate.
- Loan Term: Length of mortgage in years, often 15–25 years in France.
- Monthly Insurance: Assurance emprunteur, usually required by lenders.
- Upfront Costs: Estimated notary fees and bank setup costs.
What is a “French mortgage” payment structure?
In this context, “French mortgage” usually refers to a fully amortizing loan with a constant monthly payment. This is one of the most common structures in France for owner-occupied and investment purchases. Each month:
- The interest portion is calculated on the remaining balance.
- The principal portion is the rest of the payment.
- Over time, interest goes down and principal repayment goes up.
That is why early payments are interest-heavy, while later payments build equity faster.
The formula behind the calculator
For a fixed-rate amortizing mortgage, monthly principal-and-interest payment is calculated with:
Payment = P × r / (1 − (1 + r)−n)
Where:
- P = loan principal (purchase price minus down payment)
- r = monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12)
- n = total number of monthly payments
If the interest rate is 0%, the formula simplifies to principal divided by number of payments.
Important French borrowing costs to plan for
1) Notary fees (frais de notaire)
These are often around 7–8% for older properties and lower for many new-build purchases. They are significant and should be budgeted from day one.
2) Loan insurance (assurance emprunteur)
French lenders usually require borrower insurance. Depending on age, health, profession, and coverage level, insurance can materially increase effective monthly cost.
3) TAEG (APR equivalent)
The nominal rate is only part of the story. TAEG includes borrowing costs such as fees and insurance assumptions, giving you a better comparison between loan offers.
How to reduce monthly payments
- Increase your down payment to reduce principal borrowed.
- Negotiate the interest rate and compare multiple banks or brokers.
- Review insurance options carefully and compare delegated contracts.
- Stretching the term lowers monthly payment, but increases total interest.
- Avoid over-borrowing by stress-testing your budget before signing.
Common mistakes when comparing mortgages
- Looking only at monthly payment and ignoring total repayment cost.
- Forgetting insurance and notary fees in affordability calculations.
- Assuming every fixed-rate quote has the same fee structure.
- Not checking penalties or flexibility for early repayments.
Quick FAQ
Can non-residents get a French mortgage?
Often yes, though required documentation, down payment expectations, and approval criteria are typically stricter than for residents.
Is variable rate common in France?
Fixed-rate loans are very common in France. Variable products exist but are less dominant than in some other markets.
Should I rely on this calculator for final decisions?
Use it for planning and comparison. Final borrowing terms depend on underwriting, debt-to-income rules, insurance acceptance, and the bank’s final offer.
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.