New year… new rates! Indeed, the first interest rates for January 2026 have arrived, announced in particular by Vousfinancer, a network of 150 real estate loan brokerage agencies. And as expected, the rates remained almost stable, experiencing only a very slight increase oscillating between 0.05% and 0.10%. A moderate development that does not come out of nowhere: “After the increase in the 10-year government bond rate in December to more than 3.6%, it is not surprising that banks are posting rate increases at the start of the yearsays Julie Bachet, general director of Vousfinancer. This rate has since fallen again, without falling below 3.5%.
In this case, here is what the rates give in January 2026:
- 3.20% for a 15-year loan.
- 3.40% for a 20-year loan.
- 3.60% for a 25-year loan.
For the better off, either because of their project or their better solvency, the lowest rates can be 2.8% for a 15-year loan and 2.95% for 20 and 25-year loans.
A moderate rise in rates for the first quarter of 2026… while waiting for the rest
This increase in rates should continue its course, to finally reach 3.5% for a 20-year loan – the average duration of a loan in France is around 21 years according to Sandrine Allonier, spokesperson for Vousfinancer – at the end of the first quarter of 2026. For those who have a real estate project and hope for a reduction in rates subsequently: “There are no rate cuts to expect, and even on the contrary: postponing your project means exposing yourself to a greater increase in rates”indicates Julie Bachet.
Will this prospect push potential buyers to invest in stone now? Not reallyfor Sandrine Allonier: “Announcing rate increases does not lead to real estate purchasesshe says. In 2026, as in 2025, we will be making necessity purchases rather than opportunity purchases.”concludes the expert.
Amidst this mix of rate increases and bleak outlooks, there is still some good news: subsidized rate loans. The latter, mainly offered by regional or mutual banks, allow you to borrow at rates well below those normally charged, between 0 and 2%. Loans which have their success and mainly concern first-time buyers but also buyers carrying out energy renovation work or having purchased a property with a satisfactory energy performance diagnosis, in particular because they are without means conditions. Good news for Sandrine Allonier: “The fact that banks are renewing their loans at subsidized rates demonstrates the continuation of their customer acquisition strategy in 2026she believes. This is an important boost for those who have a real estate project at the start of the year!”she concludes.
