In February, the majority of banking establishments chose to stabilize their rates, while at least two large national banks lowered their rates, by 0.10 and 0.25 points respectively. A movement that is still limited, but reveals a change in strategy in the real estate financing market.
This shift reflects the improvement in bank refinancing conditions, against a backdrop of increased competition. “In this month of February, (…) establishments seeking to win customers are already reflecting the more favorable developments in the markets, in a context of strong interbank competition», observes Julie Bachet, general manager of Vousfinancer, a network of 150 real estate loan brokerage agencies.
Stable rates… and reappearing negotiation margins
Concretely, the average rates observed in February remain stable : 3.20% over 15 years, 3.40% over 20 years and 3.60% over 25 years. For the best filesthe conditions can be noticeably more attractivewith rates negotiated around 2.8% over 15 years and 3% over 20 and 25 years. “For well-prepared borrowers, banks still offer very competitive conditions, close to 3% over all durations.», underlines Julie Bachet. These levels remain very dependent on the quality of the fileof thepersonal contribution and the income stabilitythe differences can be significant from one bank to another.
This configuration translates a clear desire of banks to relaunch their credit production at the start of the year, as the traditional “real estate spring“. On the demand side, the movement is already perceptible. In January, financing requests increased by more than 15% over one year at Vousfinancer, and by almost 45% compared to 2024, while the amounts of credit granted showed an increase of 20% over one year.
A context also more favorable for investors
Beyond buyers, the stabilization of rates could also benefit investors. THE Jeanbrun device sends an additional signal for rental investment, despite profitability still being conditional on capped rents and the extent of work on existing properties. “Any measure aimed at reviving rental investment is welcome today», analyzes Julie Bachet. Without talking about a cycle turnaround, the combination of stabilized rates and initial targeted reductions restores clarity to project leaders, and could support the recovery of the real estate market in 2026. In this more favorable context, Julie Bachet concludes: “For those who have a real estate project, now is the time to make it a reality“.
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