Article updated on 09/11/2026
In summary
- A first-time buyer is someone who has not owned their main residence in the last two years; for a couple, both buyers must meet this condition.
- The PTZ, extended until the end of 2027, finances new homes anywhere in France and older homes with works in zones B2 and C.
- The PAS, the Action Logement loan, the PSLA, the BRS and the PEL complete the financing, often with property tax or VAT advantages.
- Local authorities also offer local aid: ask your town hall, your département or the ADIL.
Update of Monday 9 November:
The zero-interest loan has been extended until 31 December 2027, and the 2027 draft budget, currently before Parliament, also provides for a “parenthood” PTZ for young parents. On the credit side, the average 20-year rate rose to 3.54% in September 2026, compared with 3.44% in August: the PTZ, which carries no interest, carries even more weight in the financing plan. Source: Pretto, October 2026; 2027 finance bill.
Owning your main residence is a goal shared by many French people. For first-time buyers, several schemes make home ownership easier. These schemes, available in 2027, aim to ease the financing of a first property purchase.
What is a first-time buyer?
The term “first-time buyer” refers to anyone buying their main residence for the first time, or who has not owned their main residence in the last two years. It can therefore be a complete novice or someone who owned a home in the past but has been renting for at least two years.
This status gives access to many schemes, subject to income conditions and depending on the project (new, older, off-plan…). For a couple, both buyers must meet the first-time buyer criteria for the household to be eligible.
The main financing schemes for first-time buyers
The zero-interest loan (PTZ)
The PTZ is an interest-free loan that finances part of the purchase of a main residence. Recently reformed, it has been extended until 31 December 2027:
- New homes: it is available anywhere in France, regardless of zone, for apartments and detached houses alike.
- Older homes: it finances the purchase of a home to renovate in municipalities in zones B2 and C, if the works represent at least 25% of the total cost.
- Conditions: income ceilings have been raised, opening the PTZ to more households.
- Amount: up to 50% of the cost for a new apartment and 30% for a house, for households with the lowest incomes.
The PTZ must be combined with a standard mortgage, and the home must become the main residence within a year of the purchase or the end of the works.
The social home-ownership loan (PAS)
The PAS is for households on modest incomes. It can finance the entire price, subject to income conditions, with capped rates, arrangement fees limited to €500 and a State guarantee.
The Action Logement loan
Reserved for employees of private companies with 10 or more staff, this reduced-rate loan finances part of the purchase of the main residence, up to a capped amount. It is granted subject to income conditions and can be combined with other assisted loans.
The social lease-to-buy loan (PSLA)
Reserved for new homes, the PSLA allows you to become an owner after a rental period. It offers reduced VAT at 5.5%, a 15-year property tax exemption and reduced notary fees.
The solidarity lease (BRS)
The BRS allows you to buy by separating the land from the building: the buyer owns the home and pays a fee for the land, which remains the property of a solidarity land organisation. The price is well below market value, making the scheme particularly suited to expensive areas.
Other aid and complementary schemes
The home savings plan (PEL)
The PEL is a regulated savings plan for a property project. After at least four years, it gives entitlement to a loan whose rate is fixed when the plan is opened. The maximum loan is €92,000, repayable over 2 to 15 years. The savings built up can also strengthen your personal deposit.
Aid from local authorities
Many municipalities, départements and regions offer specific aid: local zero-interest loans, grants, coverage of part of the notary fees, property tax exemptions. They vary from one area to another and often depend on income, the type of property and its location: ask your town hall, your département or the ADIL.
Notary fees and property tax
First-time buyers purchasing their main residence are exempt from the rise in transfer duties voted by most départements until 31 March 2028. For new homes, a two-year property tax exemption applies in principle, which each municipality can limit; it reaches 15 years for homes financed through the PSLA.
How to optimise your property project as a first-time buyer
- Assess your borrowing capacity: calculate your debt ratio, which must not exceed 35%, insurance included.
- Prepare your loan file: payslips, tax notices, bank statements, proof of savings.
- Compare offers: rate, insurance, guarantee fees… everything can be negotiated.
- Get support from a real estate advisor to choose the right property and the appropriate schemes.
Conclusion
First-time buyer schemes offer many opportunities in 2027. PTZ, PAS, Action Logement loan, PSLA, BRS or local aid: it is essential to find out about them and prepare your project carefully, especially as mortgage rates have edged back up.
At Capifrance, our advisors support you at every stage of your property project. Contact them to benefit from their expertise and knowledge of the local market.
FAQ
What is a first-time buyer?
Someone who has never owned their main residence, or has not done so in the last two years.
Which loans are available to first-time buyers?
The PTZ, the PAS, the Action Logement loan, the PSLA, the BRS and the PEL loan, plus local authority aid and certain tax advantages.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Use online simulators, for example the ANIL’s for the PTZ, or contact a real estate advisor.
Can I combine several schemes?
Yes, subject to conditions: the PTZ can be combined in particular with the PAS, the Action Logement loan and local aid.
To go further, watch our video The Capifrance valuation tool.
Also read on the blog
- What debt ratio should you not exceed for a mortgage?
- Mortgage guarantee fees: how much do they cost?
- Surety or mortgage: which guarantee should you choose?
- Mortgage rates in September 2026: trends and forecasts
- Can you buy your parents’ house during their lifetime?
Author
Frédéric Rémy – Director of Sales Performance
A real estate professional with several years of experience within the Capifrance network, I would like to share essential advice with you to help you successfully complete your property project with our advisors.
