It can be quite hard to understand the cautious approach of French banks and their completely different attitude to borrowing and lending than in other countries. When applying for a mortgage, here are the documents required for the application – the object is to prove you earn three times the monthly repayments.

• Identity card, passport etc. proof of identity
• Pre-sale agreement/Promesse de Vente or details on proposed real estate project
• Marriage or divorce papers, if divorced
• Marriage contract, if there is one
• Last 2 income tax returns – or more if you are self-employed
• Last 3 full months of bank statements
• Details of other loans and statements (tableau d’amortissement)
• Proof of down payment (normally 20% of purchase price)
• Proof of notaire fees (normally 7-8% of purchase price)
• Proof of incoming rent if you have rental property
• Title deeds of all your properties
• Your rent slip, if you are renting
• Your last 3 payslips if employed
• If you are self employed or own a company, your by-laws, company registration and last 3 years of balance sheets
• If you’d like to renovate and finance this also, quotes from the builders
• If the property you are buying is for rental you need an estimation of future rent from an agency or the current lease if property is already rented
• Statements of all your assets (funds, portfolios, savings accounts etc.)

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