Obtaining a mortgage in France as an international buyer is more complex than for a resident, but often more accessible than one might imagine with the right guidance. More than 60% of my clients live abroad: expatriates, non-residents, and international investors. I assist them in English at every stage of the financing process, from the initial project assessment through to closing, to facilitate their dealings with French banks. 

Paul Desjardins, mortgage broker and specialist in international clients, registered under ORIAS No. 25 010 121

remote real estate project in France

How do I buy property in France remotely?

Whether you're buying a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, purchasing real estate in France is a major financial decision that deserves careful planning. I work with you in French or English, at every stage, from the initial analysis through to signing.

We can work together in person or entirely remotely, you'll always have structured support, secure document sharing, and clear communication throughout.

 Remote mortgage and borrower's insurance

What can you expect when working with Opeongo Finance?

I help you make informed decisions so you can complete your property purchase in France with confidence and peace of mind.

1. Understand before committing. Every step, every option and its implications explained clearly before you sign anything. 

2. Anticipate challenges early. I identify potential obstacles before they become problems that would be especially critical for international files.

3. Move forward with confidence. Decisions made with full transparency, no surprises, no last-minute stress.

Book a free 30-minute call, no commitment, no fees unless your mortgage completes.

What my clients say

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Bolito Timbolito

Published on September 14, 2026

(Traduit par Google) Je recommande vivement Paul et ses services. Résidant au Royaume-Uni, j'ai contacté Paul pour obtenir de l'aide concernant le financement de l'achat d'un bien immobilier à Bordeaux pour les études de mon fils. Étant résidente britannique et achetant en France, ma situation était assez particulière et le processus de financement loin d'être simple. Paul a été absolument fantastique tout au long du processus. Il a consacré énormément de temps à comprendre ma situation, à explorer les différentes possibilités et à trouver une solution de financement véritablement adaptée à mes circonstances. Sa patience, sa disponibilité et son suivi ont été exceptionnels, même lorsque le dossier est devenu particulièrement complexe. J'ai particulièrement apprécié la qualité de son service client, non seulement avant et pendant le processus, mais aussi après. Paul est resté disponible, réactif et d'un grand soutien à chaque étape. Un service véritablement professionnel, dévoué et digne de confiance que je recommande vivement à tous, notamment pour les situations plus complexes ou internationales. Un immense merci à Paul pour tout le temps, la patience et les efforts qu'il a consacrés à mon dossier. Je l'ai vraiment beaucoup apprécié ! Merci beaucoup ! V (Avis d'origine) I highly recommend Paul and his services. I am based in the UK and contacted Paul to help me with the financing of a property purchase in Bordeaux for my son’s studies. As a UK resident buying in France, my situation was quite specific and the financing process was far from straightforward. Paul was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. He spent a huge amount of time understanding my situation, researching the different possibilities and looking for a financing solution that was genuinely adapted to my circumstances. His patience, availability and follow-up were exceptional, even when the case became particularly complex. What I appreciated most was the quality of his customer service - not only before and during the process, but also afterwards. Paul remained available, responsive and supportive every step of the way. A truly professional, dedicated and trustworthy service that I would highly recommend to anyone, especially for more complex or international situations. A huge thank you to Paul for all the time, patience and effort you put into my case. It was very much appreciated! Merci Beaucoup !!! V

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Paulo 34120

Published on September 14, 2026

(Traduit par Google) Paul Desjardins m'a été d'une aide précieuse lors de l'acquisition de ma nouvelle résidence principale à Méze, en France. En tant que retraité canadien ayant décidé de m'installer définitivement en France, il était essentiel à la réussite de ce projet que Paul me guide à chaque étape. Il a travaillé avec patience et efficacité, mettant en œuvre un plan et une stratégie d'exécution bien pensés pour obtenir une solution d'achat et de financement optimale. Paul possède une connaissance approfondie des stratégies de change internationales, du processus d'acquisition immobilière, des options bancaires et de financement en France, de la fiscalité et des investissements. Son excellent sens de la communication a été inestimable dans nos échanges avec les agents immobiliers, les notaires, les propriétaires et les banques. Je ferai sans aucun doute appel aux services de Paul à nouveau et je le recommande vivement à toute personne envisageant un achat immobilier. (Avis d'origine) Paul Desjardins was a huge help to me during the purchase of my new primary residence in Méze, France. As a retired Canadian who has decided to live permanently in France, it was critical to the success of the project to have Paul guide me through all the steps. He worked patiently with me using a well thought out plan and execution strategy to achieve a very good purchase and financing solution. Paul has extensive knowledge in the areas of cross-border currency strategies, the property purchase process, banking and financing options in France, taxation and investment. His excellent communication skills were invaluable as we worked with estate agents, notaires, house owners and banks. I will definitely use Paul’s services again and highly recommend him to anyone envisioning a property purchase.

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juju coco

Published on September 8, 2026

Nous avons eu a faire a Paul pour l'achat de notre résidence principale a Grasse. Paul a été parfait du début a la fin, très professionnel, a l écoute, il a su nous rassurer a chaque étape de notre dossier qui n était pas facile . Merci pour tout je recommande fortement Paul.

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Sandrine

Published on September 4, 2026

Achat résidence principale à Ciboure. Paul a été à l’écoute tout au long du projet. Il a su trouver des solutions même à des moments où tout semblait perdu ! Il est très sympathique, disponible, réactif et compétent. Très bonne expérience. Je recommande.

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Erger

Published on June 5, 2026

Positionnement très utile pour les profils internationaux et permet de simplifier des projets souvent complexes. J’ai moi-même fait appel à leurs services et j’ai fait de belles économies grâce à leur expertise. Un seul regret : ne pas l’avoir fait plus tôt ! Merci pour l'accompagnement.

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Jean Baptiste

Published on June 5, 2026

Service très pro, et réponses rapides, meme en dehors des horaires de bureau. (Ce qui vaut de l'or quand on ne touche pas terre du matin au soir). Je recommande donc

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Cornelia Nørregaard

Published on May 21, 2026

(Traduit par Google) Merci Paul pour cette expérience exceptionnelle et pour l'accompagnement tout au long du processus d'acquisition de notre propriété de rêve dans le sud de la France. Nous nous sommes sentis en confiance, compris et soutenus de manière optimale. Paul fait preuve d'une grande discrétion et d'une vision globale, qualités rares de nos jours. Nous le recommandons vivement. (Avis d'origine) Thank you Paul for the best experience and process taking care of both us and the journey of buying our dream property in South of France. We felt safe, understood and supported in the best way all throughout the process. Paul makes a lot of work “between the lines” and are able to see the larger perspective, this is hard to find these days. He has our highest recommendation.

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Joe McKay

Published on May 11, 2026

(Traduit par Google) En tant qu'Australien non-résident de retour de Sydney pour m'installer au Pays Basque avec ma famille, le système et la bureaucratie français étaient très intimidants. Paul est extrêmement compétent, serviable et sympathique. Il explique très bien les questions et les détails complexes en termes simples (et en anglais !). Je recommande vivement Paul à tout acheteur international souhaitant acquérir un bien immobilier en France. (Avis d'origine) As an Australian non-resident returning from Sydney to settle in Pays Basque with my family, the French system and bureaucracy was very intimidating. Paul is super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. He does a great job explaining complex issues and details in simple terms (and in English!). I’d highly recommend Paul to any international buyer looking to purchase in France.

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Emmanuel DEL PINO

Published on May 7, 2026

J’ai eu l’occasion d’être accompagné par Paul dans le cadre de mon projet de financement, et j’ai particulièrement apprécié sa capacité à rendre un sujet complexe beaucoup plus simple, clair et rassurant. Au-delà de l’aspect technique, son accompagnement m’a surtout permis de gagner un temps précieux, d’éviter beaucoup de stress et d’avancer avec davantage de visibilité et de sérénité dans mes décisions. Il a su parfaitement comprendre ma situation, structurer le dossier efficacement et m’orienter vers les bonnes solutions avec beaucoup de professionnalisme et de réactivité. J’ai également apprécié sa disponibilité, sa pédagogie et sa capacité à accompagner des situations qui sortent un peu des standards habituels. Je recommande sincèrement Paul à toute personne recherchant un accompagnement sérieux, humain et efficace.

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Frequently asked questions about French mortgages for non-residents

How much does a mortgage broker cost?

In France, real estate brokerage is a regulated profession. A mortgage brokerage agreement is a success-based contract: the broker is paid by the client upon securing financing, at the time of signing with the notary. No fee is due if the transaction does not go through. This principle also applies to borrower insurance brokerage. Fees are set in advance, in writing, and agreed upon before any steps are taken. They vary depending on the complexity of the case: expatriate status, income in foreign currency, non-resident tax status, or rental investment from abroad. No hidden fees, no obligation. A complimentary 30-minute consultation allows you to present your project and understand how I can assist you.

What down payment do non-residents need to buy property in France?

French banks generally require a minimum down payment of 20% of the purchase price for non-residents, compared to an average of 10% for residents. Some institutions require as much as 30%, particularly when income is in foreign currency or the tax situation is complex. This down payment should ideally cover notary fees (between 7% and 8% for existing homes, 2% to 3% for new construction) and a portion of the property’s price. A higher down payment significantly improves your chances of securing a loan and the terms you can negotiate. This is one of the first points I discuss with you to realistically assess your project.

My income is in foreign currency (dollars, pounds, Swiss francs, etc.). Do French banks accept it?

Yes, French banks can take foreign-currency income into account, including U.S. or Canadian dollars, British pounds, Swiss francs, and Australian dollars, among others. However, they generally apply a 15% to 25% cut to this income to cover exchange-rate risk. Not all banks are the same depending on your country of residence and the currency in question: some are significantly more open to this than others. My role is precisely to identify the banks best suited to your profile and to present your application in a way that maximizes your chances of securing financing on favorable terms.

What documents do I need to prepare for a loan application from abroad?

A typical application package generally includes: your last three pay stubs or proof of income (translated if necessary), your last two French and/or foreign tax notices, bank statements for the last three months, proof of residence in your current country, your employment contract, and, if possible, a statement of assets. The translation and legalization of certain documents may take time, depending on your country of residence. That is why I discuss these requirements with you from the outset, to avoid any delays when it comes time to arrange financing.

How long does the financing process take?

From the initial contact to signing at the notary’s office, the process takes an average of 3 to 4 months for an international client. The phase of preparing and submitting the application to the bank generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, followed by a bank review period of 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the institution. Once the loan offer is issued, the law requires a 10-day cooling-off period before acceptance. For expatriates or non-residents, preparing the necessary documents in advance is crucial to avoid slowing down the process. That’s why I recommend contacting me as early as possible in your project.