In 2026, the French real estate market offers a favorable context to carry out your new property purchase project. Strengthened schemes, solid guarantees and optimal energy performance make new housing a particularly attractive option. Whether you are looking for a primary residence or a rental investment, discover in this article the 5 concrete reasons to prioritize new real estate this year.
What are the advantages of buying a new property in 2026?
1. Reduced notary fees and optimized financing
Buying a new property offers an immediate financial advantage: notary fees amount to only 2 to 3% of the purchase price, compared to 7 to 8% for existing properties. This significant difference reduces the total cost of the transaction and lowers the required down payment. For a new apartment worth €250,000, you save between €10,000 and €15,000 in additional costs. This saving can be reinvested in furnishing or used as a financial reserve for your real estate project.
2. Zero-interest loan and conditions to benefit from aid
The zero-interest loan (PTZ) in 2026 is now accessible throughout the entire French territory, without geographical zoning, and also applies to new individual houses. To be eligible, you must meet income ceilings calculated based on your reference tax income from year N-2 and must not have owned your primary residence during the past two years. Action Logement also offers additional aid for private-sector employees. These schemes allow you to finance a significant portion of your purchase and reduce your monthly loan payments.
3. The jeanbrun scheme 2026 for rental investment
The Jeanbrun scheme 2026 is a major new tax lever for rental investment in new properties. It is based on a tax depreciation mechanism on the purchase price, deductible from rental income, with a commitment to rent the property as a primary residence for 9 years. This scheme requires compliance with rent caps (intermediate, social or very social) and energy standards. Investors must verify the exact eligibility conditions with a Capifrance advisor to optimize their project and ensure compliance.
4. Vefa guarantees and modern construction standards
Buying a new property means benefiting from strong builder guarantees. The ten-year warranty covers structural damage for 10 years, while the perfect completion guarantee covers defects identified within one year after delivery. New properties comply with the RE2020 standard, which imposes stricter requirements in terms of energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions. In practical terms, you benefit from an energy-efficient home with lower bills and optimal thermal comfort all year round.
5. Quality new developments with personalized advice
Choosing the right new real estate program requires evaluating several criteria: location, developer reputation, potential property appreciation and quality of features. A Capifrance advisor specialized in new properties helps you analyze these elements and secure your investment. They also assist you in verifying financial completion guarantees and anticipating VEFA stages. This personalized support optimizes your project and helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Comparison new vs existing
Criterion | New | Existing |
|---|---|---|
Notary fees | 2 to 3% | 7 to 8% |
Builder guarantees | Ten-year, two-year, perfect completion | None |
Energy performance | RE2020 standard (energy rating A or B) | Often rating D to G |
Financial aid available in 2026 to buy new property
PTZ (zero-interest loan): available nationwide for the purchase of a new primary residence or a new individual house, subject to income conditions.
Jeanbrun scheme: tax depreciation for rental investment in new property, with a 9-year rental commitment and rent caps.
Action Logement: complementary loans and aid for private-sector employees, combinable with the PTZ.
FAQ on buying a new apartment
What is vefa when buying a new apartment ?
VEFA (sale in future state of completion) refers to a contract allowing you to purchase an apartment off-plan, before or during its construction. In practice, you become the owner of the land and the property under construction upon signing the reservation contract. The property is delivered at a predetermined date, in accordance with the plans and specifications provided. This type of acquisition offers specific builder guarantees and staged payments according to construction progress.
Should you buy a new or existing apartment ?
Both options have advantages depending on your project. A new apartment offers builder guarantees, optimal energy performance compliant with RE2020 standards, and reduced notary fees of 2–3%. Existing properties often have a lower price per square meter and prime city-center locations. If you prioritize a modern home without renovation and access to aid such as PTZ 2026, new property is a relevant choice. For character or a tighter budget, existing property may be more suitable.
How much deposit is needed to buy a new apartment ?
A deposit of at least 10% of the purchase amount is generally recommended to cover acquisition-related costs, including notary fees, guarantees and administrative fees. In new property, these costs are reduced to around 2–3% of the price, so a 5% deposit may sometimes be enough to convince your bank. Some buyer profiles with stable income and strong repayment capacity may even borrow without a deposit depending on banking institutions and market conditions in 2026.
How does the process of buying a new apartment work ?
Buying a new apartment follows several key steps. You start by searching for a property that matches your project and budget. Working with a specialized advisor saves time. Then, you sign a reservation contract to secure your purchase. At the same time, you arrange your financing and obtain loan approval. Next comes signing the final deed with the notary. During construction, you are informed of progress by the advisor and developer. Finally, you proceed with property delivery and key handover.
5 tips to successfully buy a new apartment in 2026
In 2026, the new real estate market is reaching a new balance with strengthened aid and attractive opportunities for first-time buyers and investors. Whether you are looking for a primary residence or a high-potential development, these 5 tips will help you secure and succeed in your purchase project.
1. Define your real estate project and budget
Before starting, clarify your goal: primary residence, secondary residence or rental investment. Assess your borrowing capacity while respecting the maximum debt ratio of 35%. Prepare your personal contribution, ideally between 10 and 20% of the purchase price.
Checklist before starting:
Define your project goal (primary, secondary, rental)
Calculate your borrowing capacity and maximum monthly payments
Build your personal contribution (savings, donation, resale)
Identify your target location and property type
2. Choose the right development and developer
Check the developer’s reputation, past projects and guarantees offered: ten-year warranty, completion guarantee and financial guarantee are essential. Location remains key: proximity to transport, shops and schools determines property value. New developments in France offer energy performance compliant with the latest standards.
3. Compare prices and anticipate notary fees
Notary fees are a major advantage of new property: they remain limited to 2 or 3% of the purchase price, compared to 7 to 8% for existing property. This saving can represent several thousand euros.
Compare prices per square meter between developments and locations. New properties benefit from strong energy standards and builder guarantees that secure your investment.
Financial advantages of new property:
Reduced notary fees: 2 to 3% instead of 7 to 8%
Optimal energy performance: controlled energy bills
Builder guarantees: ten-year, completion, perfect completion
4. Take advantage of financial aid for your investment
In 2026, the PTZ is available nationwide. This interest-free loan facilitates access to ownership and reduces your monthly payments.
For investors, new property offers attractive rental yields, generally between 3% and 4.5%. The Jeanbrun scheme provides tax reduction through depreciation that can reach up to 80% of the purchase price.
5. Get support from an advisor for a secure purchase
Support from a local market expert Capifrance advisor is a major asset. With nearly 3,000 advisors across the country, Capifrance offers personalized service at every stage: accurate valuation, immersive visits, financing assistance and transaction security.
To discover available new properties, contact a Capifrance advisor now who will guide you toward the right new real estate for your project.
Frequently asked questions about buying a new apartment
Is it profitable to buy a new apartment in 2026 ?
Yes, buying a new apartment remains profitable in 2026. You benefit from reduced notary fees, better long-term value appreciation and attractive tax incentives. For rental investment, these advantages significantly improve overall profitability.
What are the steps to buy a new apartment ?
The purchase process follows several steps: define your project and budget, find the right development, secure financing, sign the reservation contract and final deed, follow construction, and receive your property upon delivery.
Is buying a new property a good idea ?
Buying a new property is an excellent choice in 2026. You benefit from builder guarantees (perfect completion, two-year, ten-year), optimal energy performance reducing costs, and the comfort of a home compliant with the latest construction standards.
Financial aid for buying new property in 2026 : complete overview
In 2026, the new real estate market benefits from strong government support through aid schemes designed to facilitate home ownership. Whether you are a first-time buyer or have a real estate project, several financing levers are available to help you complete your purchase. This detailed guide presents all available aid and eligibility conditions. Your Capifrance advisor supports you at every stage to identify suitable schemes and optimize your financing.
Zero-interest loan: the main aid for a first purchase
The PTZ is an interest-free loan granted by financial institutions that have signed an agreement with the state. It allows financing up to 50% of a new property purchase depending on your situation. This scheme significantly reduces the amount of mortgage repayment and facilitates access to ownership.
Conditions and amount of ptz in 2026
To benefit from the PTZ, you must not have owned your primary residence in the past two years. Eligibility also depends on income ceilings based on your reference tax income from year N-2. This ceiling varies depending on household size and property location.
The PTZ amount is calculated by applying a percentage to part of the operation cost, within limits set by zone and number of occupants. For example, a couple with one child buying in zone B1 can benefit from a PTZ based on a maximum of €210,000, with a percentage up to 40% depending on income.
Repayment includes a deferred period adapted to household income, with a total duration of up to 25 years.
Zone | Income ceiling (couple + 1 child) | Max ptz percentage | Max operation amount |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone A | €74,000 | 40% | €315,000 |
Zone B1 | €60,000 | 40% | €252,000 |
Zone B2 | €49,000 | 40% | €210,000 |
Zone C | €42,000 | 40% | €168,000 |
Ptz for a new house or apartment in zone a
In 2026, the PTZ is extended to new individual houses across France, including zone A. This is a major advancement for future owners wishing to build or buy a new house.
In zone A, which includes Paris and major cities where prices are highest, PTZ offers particularly favorable limits. A household of three can finance up to 40% of their purchase within a limit of €315,000, meaning a PTZ up to €126,000. This significantly reduces borrowing effort.
Other loans to finance a new property purchase
Beyond PTZ, several complementary schemes strengthen your financing plan and reduce monthly payments. These loans can be combined with each other and with PTZ.
Action logement loan
The Action Logement loan is available to employees of private-sector companies with more than 10 employees. It offers up to €30,000 at a reduced rate of 1% (excluding insurance) and can finance the purchase of a new primary residence, construction, or acquisition of certain existing housing.
The social rent-to-own loan (PSLA) is another option, allowing you to first rent the property before purchasing it under predefined conditions, with a price reduction and tax benefits.
Social home ownership loan and conventional loan
The social home ownership loan (PAS) is granted under income conditions and can finance the entire project. It also gives access to housing aid in certain cases.
The conventional loan works similarly but without income conditions. Both can finance the entire project and are compatible with PTZ and Action Logement loans.
Tax benefits for buying new property
Buying new property in 2026 can provide significant tax advantages that reduce the overall cost of the operation.
Reduced vat and shared ownership lease
In some cases, you can benefit from reduced VAT of 5.5% instead of 20%, especially in urban renewal zones or priority districts, subject to income and use as a primary residence.
The shared ownership lease (BRS) allows you to buy only the building while a land organization retains ownership of the land, reducing the purchase price by 30 to 50%.
Property tax exemption and reduced notary fees
You may benefit from a property tax exemption for two years after construction, subject to declaration within 90 days. Some local authorities extend this exemption.
Notary fees are around 2 to 3% for new property versus 7 to 8% for existing property, significantly reducing acquisition costs.
What is a first-time buyer and what are the benefits in 2026 ?
Definition and conditions
A first-time buyer is someone who has not owned their primary residence in the past two years. You may still qualify even if you own a second home or rental property.
Eligibility depends on income ceilings, household composition and location.
How to benefit from aid
First-time buyer status gives access to several major schemes such as PTZ, PAS and Action Logement loans, as well as local aid and tax exemptions. Combining these aids optimizes financing.
To check eligibility, contact housing advisory bodies or a Capifrance advisor.
checklist: are you a first-time buyer ?
You have not owned your primary residence in the past two years
Your income meets the ceilings for your area
The property will be your primary residence
If buying as a couple, both meet the conditions
Tips for buying a new house without a deposit
Buying a new house without a deposit is possible in 2026 by combining PTZ, Action Logement loan and a traditional mortgage. These combined tools can cover the full acquisition cost.
To maximize your chances, present a strong financial profile: stable employment, good financial management and debt ratio below 35%. Reduced notary fees also facilitate access without initial capital.
For optimal financing conditions, work with a Capifrance advisor and a broker partner.
FAQ on aid for buying new property
How to benefit from €10,000 aid for buying new property ?
Some local authorities offer subsidies up to €10,000 for new property purchases, especially in priority areas. Contact your local municipality or housing advisory services to learn about available schemes.
How to obtain €400 municipal aid ?
Local aid varies widely between municipalities. Some offer flat-rate subsidies or tax exemptions. Contact your local housing department or advisory services to check available schemes.
Is apl accession still available in 2026 ?
No, APL accession is no longer available for new buyers since January 1, 2020. However, you can benefit from PTZ, Action Logement or PAS loans.
Can brs be combined with ptz ?
Yes, the shared ownership lease can be combined with PTZ to significantly reduce the overall acquisition cost.
What aid is available for buying new property in 2026 ?
You can benefit from PTZ, Action Logement loan, PAS, reduced VAT, shared ownership lease, property tax exemption, reduced notary fees and local subsidies. To optimize your financing, contact a Capifrance advisor.
Author:
Virginie Cottet-Moine – Head of New Build and Life Annuity Division
As a specialist in new real estate and life annuity properties, I provide clear and useful information to help you better understand these unique sectors. My goal is to support your decision-making with reliable, tailored advice for your real estate plans.