How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a House in France as a Foreigner?
Buying a property in France as an international buyer is an exciting opportunity, but understanding how much money you need upfront is an important part of planning your purchase.
One of the most common questions we receive is how much deposit is required when signing the preliminary sales agreement.
The answer depends on the type of deposit and whether you are purchasing with cash or financing your property through a mortgage.
How Much Is the Deposit in France?
When signing a compromis de vente or promesse de vente, buyers are commonly asked to pay a deposit known as the dépôt de garantie.
There is no fixed legal percentage, but in practice the deposit is generally between 5% and 10% of the purchase price.
For example, on a €500,000 property, you might pay between €25,000 and €50,000 at this stage.
The deposit is normally held by the notaire or another designated professional and is deducted from the purchase price when the sale completes.
Is the Deposit the Same as a Mortgage Down Payment?
NO.
This is an important distinction for international buyers.
The deposit paid when signing the compromis de vente is an advance towards the purchase price. Your overall personal contribution will depend on how much financing a bank is prepared to provide.
For example, if you purchase a property for €500,000 and pay a €25,000 deposit, you may still need to contribute additional funds depending on your mortgage arrangements and acquisition costs.
Can Foreign Buyers Get a Mortgage in France?
Yes.
International and non-resident buyers can often obtain financing from French banks.
However, lenders will assess your individual financial situation, including your income, assets, existing debts, country of residence and the property itself.
Buyers should also budget for costs beyond the deposit, including notaire fees, taxes, mortgage costs, insurance and potential renovation works.
If your purchase depends on obtaining a mortgage, it is particularly important that the appropriate financing condition (condition suspensive d'obtention de prêt) is included in your preliminary sales agreement.
What Happens If You Don't Complete the Purchase?
French property purchases include important protections for buyers.
When purchasing a residential property as a private buyer, there is generally a 10-day withdrawal period after signing the preliminary agreement.
After this period, the deposit can usually be recovered if a contractual condition protecting the buyer is triggered — for example, if a mortgage is refused where the purchase is subject to a financing condition.
If the buyer simply withdraws without a valid contractual or legal reason, the deposit may be at risk.
Budget Beyond the Deposit
Your deposit is only one part of the funds required to purchase a property in France.
International buyers should also consider:
Notaire fees and acquisition taxes
Mortgage and bank costs
Currency exchange costs
Property surveys and inspections
Renovation and restoration
Insurance and property taxes
Ongoing maintenance
Planning your total acquisition budget before making an offer will help you approach the French property market with confidence.
Buying Property in France as a Foreign Buyer?
At Milieux Property, we help international buyers navigate the French property market, from finding the right property through to negotiation, due diligence and the purchase process.
Whether you are looking for a French château, country estate, maison de maître or family home, we provide a bespoke service designed around your requirements.
Thinking about buying property in France?
Get in touch with Milieux Property to discuss your French property project.
