French banks expand flexibility on mortgage loans as credit consolidation timelines lengthen

In 2026, French borrowers seeking to regroup multiple loans into a single credit package can expect a processing period of four to six weeks, with more complex cases extending to two months. The timeline is divided into a rapid online simulation (under 10 minutes), document collection, a 2‑10‑day solvency analysis, a legal reflection period of 10‑14 days, and fund disbursement within three to fifteen days. Prompt submission of complete paperwork and the choice of an active intermediary are highlighted as key factors for faster completion.

At the same time, French banks are increasingly using the flexibility allowed by the Haut Conseil de stabilité financière (HCSF) to exceed the standard 35% debt‑to‑income ceiling and the 25‑year loan‑term limit for up to 20% of mortgage applications. In the first quarter of 2026, the share of such deviations rose to 17.5%, varying widely across institutions. Lawmakers have proposed amending the 35% rule by introducing a “remaining disposable income” criterion to enable more borrowers with high debt ratios but sufficient cash flow to obtain loans.