Expat Mortgage - France
France has the largest British expat population of any EU country - an estimated 150,000+ British nationals.
UK mortgages from France
Post-CRD VI, the expat mortgage lender shortlist for France-based UK expats has narrowed with Skipton International's withdrawal. However, specialist alternatives remain. Euro income is accepted. French income evidence - the avis d'imposition - is well-understood by specialist UK lenders.
The options we compare
France-Based BTL Expat
Buy-to-let UK property from France. Post-CRD VI, HSBC Expat, Molo Finance, and specialist channel lenders remain. We confirm which lenders currently accept France-based applications before any approach.
Avis d'Imposition - French Tax Certificate
The avis d'imposition (tax notice from the DGFIP) is the primary income evidence for French residents. The annual document confirms taxable income, tax household situation, and is the French equivalent of a P60. Specialist UK lenders with France experience accept this alongside payslips and bank statements.
French Residency for Long-Term UK Expats
UK nationals who became French residents after Brexit (requiring a Titre de séjour - residence permit - or other French residence documentation). Lenders treat UK nationals with French residency as EU-resident expats for mortgage purposes.
Pre-CRD VI Skipton Clients
If you previously arranged a UK mortgage through Skipton International while France-based, your existing mortgage is unaffected. Skipton continues to service existing mortgages. The restriction is on new applications only. For remortgages and product transfers, contact us for alternative lender options.
Channel Islands Route
The Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey) are British Crown Dependencies, not EU members, and are not affected by CRD VI. Some France-based expats with Channel Islands connections may find specific lender options through this route.
Self-Employed in France
Self-employed UK expats in France (auto-entrepreneurs, sociétés civiles, SASU/SARL directors). French business income evidence - bilans, comptes de résultat - alongside avis d'imposition. Specialist lenders assess French self-employed income structures.
How We Help
France-specific lender check
We confirm which specialist lenders are currently accepting France-based applications. This changes and must be verified at the time of enquiry - not based on previously published lists.
French income evidence
We advise on the specific documentation for your income type - employed (payslips + avis d'imposition), self-employed (bilans + avis d'imposition), or rental income (déclaration 2044).
Application
We manage the application with the appropriate lender for France-based applicants.
Remote completion
Full process managed remotely from France. Identity verification through UK-authorised notary in France or UK solicitor.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Whole-of-market access · All expat locations · FCA No. 814533
Frequently asked questions
I live in France and was planning to use Skipton International. What are my options now?
Skipton International stopped accepting new EU-resident applications from 1 March 2026. HSBC Expat, Molo Finance, NatWest International, and specialist private banking channels remain available for France-based expats. The right alternative depends on your loan size, income, and property type. Contact us for the current shortlist for France - this is our most current knowledge, not a published list.
Does the avis d'imposition work as income evidence for UK lenders?
Yes - specialist UK lenders with experience in France-based applications accept the avis d'imposition alongside payslips and bank statements. The document confirms the DGFIP's official view of your taxable income, which provides strong corroboration for lenders. Two consecutive years of avis d'imposition (the most recent) are typically required.
I moved to France from the UK after Brexit. Can I still get a UK mortgage?
Yes - British nationals in France, regardless of when they moved, can access UK expat mortgage products through specialist lenders. Your Brexit-era move (and associated requirement to obtain French residency documentation) does not affect your UK mortgage eligibility. The key factors are your income, deposit, and which lenders currently accept France-based applications.
I have a French property and a UK property. Does owning the French property affect my UK mortgage application?
Potentially. The French property may be counted as an additional dwelling for SDLT purposes if it is owned - but the SDLT surcharge (5%) only applies to residential UK property purchases where you own an additional residential property. Whether the French property counts depends on its nature and how it is held. We assess the SDLT position for clients with overseas property holdings before application.
Can I arrange a UK remortgage while living in France post-CRD VI?
Yes - expat remortgages for France-based clients remain available through the specialist lenders who are still active for France applications. We identify the appropriate lender and manage the remortgage remotely. Product transfer with Skipton (if you have an existing Skipton mortgage) is currently restricted for EU residents - alternative lenders provide remortgage alternatives.