Is Now a Solid Time to Borrow? Navigating the Current Mortgage Landscape
Is it too early to rejoice? Real estate loan rates fell slightly at the beginning of March 2026, reversing a gentle upward trend from the latter months of 2025. According to broker Meilleurtaux, banks are now lending at an average of 3.30% over 20 years. This represents a more favorable level than rates seen two years prior.
Currently, a monthly payment of €1,000 allows borrowers to secure a loan of €176,000 at 3.30% excluding insurance, compared to €162,000 at the end of 2023 when rates were at 4.30%. This translates to a gain of €15,141 on the total cost of credit, as reported by Meilleurtaux.
A Market Rebound
The relaxation of rates has spurred a revival in the housing market after a challenging period in 2023 and 2024. Credit production reached €146.7 billion in 2025, excluding renegotiations – a 33% increase from the previous year, according to the Banque de France.
But, the current levels are still significantly below previous peaks.