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Impact of the cost of borrowing Proposals to revive the French real estate market

Faced with inflation and a growing real estate crisis, France is considering how to optimize the cost of mortgages. With this in mind, the government, led by Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, is considering reforming access to home loans. This initiative could not only impact the cost of credit, but also raise questions about household overindebtedness.

The current context and the cost of borrowing

The historic fall in property sales in France is the result of a rapid rise in interest rates, which has a direct impact on the cost of credit. To understand how to calculate a loan rate in this context, it is crucial to consider the HCSF's (High Council for Financial Stability) 2020 proposals limiting loan terms to 25 years and indebtedness to 35% of income.

More flexible loan conditions

Bruno Le Maire proposes to relax these conditions to reduce the cost of credit. Measures include the extension of 30-year loans for young people and the introduction of subsidized-rate loans. The latter, planned for 2025, aim to offer below-market rates. Bruno Le Maire advocates easing the conditions for granting home loans, two days before a meeting of the High Council for Financial Stability (HCSF) scheduled for this Monday, December 4, 2023.

Amicable procedure for reviewing loan decisions

A major innovation is the creation of an amicable procedure between borrower and banker, aimed at reducing obstacles and the cost of credit by clarifying the reasons for a loan refusal.

Why credit rates are rising: balance and caution

François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Banque de France, stresses the need for a balanced approach torising lending rates. He stresses the need to comply with HCSF standards to avoid an increase in the risk of overindebtedness.

The HCSF meeting represents a key moment for the French real estate market. The adoption of these measures could offer new prospects for buyers, while requiring constant vigilance to prevent an over-indebtedness crisis similar to that of 2008. Taking into account the cost of credit and the consequences of rising interest rates remains essential to navigating this changing market.