In order to apply for a French mortgage you will need the following documents. If you are employed you will need your last 3 months pay slips, the latest copy of your P60, a copy of your contract of employment and your last 3 months personal bank statements If you are self-employed you will need copies of your last three years audited accounts, copies of last 12 months business bank accounts and copies of your last six months personal bank statements The maximum loan is based on joint net income and calculated on an affordability basis. All existing liabilities including any mortgage/rent payments, loans, credit cards and any maintenance payments, together with the proposed French mortgage repayments, must not exceed 33% of the gross monthly income. Typical example: The maximum payment towards a French mortgage is 33% of gross joint monthly income less any existing liabilities. Assuming the gross monthly income is £5,000 and liabilities are £1,000, the maximum payment available towards a French mortgage would be £650. (£5,000 X 33% = £1,650 less £1,000 liabilities = £650). This would generate a mortgage in the region of £123,500 based on an interest rate of 3.85%. Unfortunately, in France, the lenders will not take into consideration any proposed rental income for the property for mortgage purposes. It is advisable to arrange your mortgage finance before agreeing to purchase a property. Check with the estate agent/lawyer that you are aware of the costs charged by the legal & government authorities for purchasing a French property, noting that the lender will have their own legal costs for assigning the loan (the cost of which they will normally advise when they issue the mortgage offer). Please be aware that the Notaire may be incorporating within his charges, costs for assigning the mortgage and you should establish with the Notaire the actual cost before proceeding with a loan application All mortgages have to have a suitable life assurance policy assigned to them. Some lenders offer a free life assurance on the first applicant. Not all French lenders carry out valuations / surveys. You may wish to have one carried out independently. Properties can be purchased either individually, in joint names or in the name of a civil real estate company - known as an SCI (Societe Civile Immobiliere) - under French civil law. For an SCI at least two people are required. For advice regarding whether to purchase under an SCI, independent legal advice should always be sought. A French bank account will be required and the relevant RIB (releve d'identite bancaire) will be required before the release of funds.