Mortgage rates: a market seeking balance despite a still unstable autumn

According to Pretto's data, the average rates observed in November were as follows:

• 3,15% over 15 years
• 3,26% over 20 years
• 3,34% over 25 years

Changes remain minimal: between -0,02 and -0,05 points depending on profiles and durations, confirming a now more peaceful market.

For Pierre Chapon, CEO and co-founder of Pretto: “After several months of tension, we are seeing a return to greater stability in bank lending rates. Some institutions are still making minor adjustments to their rates, but the dominant trend remains one of moderation. Banks are now seeking to regain a consistent volume of activity without taking excessive risks.”

Context: between political turmoil and a desire for recovery

On the political front, October was once again marked by instability: the fall of the government, the threat of a motion of censure and a further downgrade of France's sovereign rating by S&P, from AA- to A+, one month after that of Fitch.

Moody's, on the other hand, decided not to sanction France, thus tempering market concerns.

Meanwhile, the new Housing Minister, Vincent Jeanbrun, presented a tax scheme designed to boost rental investment, through a depreciation mechanism and enhanced incentives for energy-efficient renovations. This provides a starting point, but is still far from a comprehensive action plan.

As for market rates, the 10-year OAT remains around 3,41%, confirming a fragile but controlled level of equilibrium.

For Pierre Chapon: "The French economy is going through a period of uncertainty, but banks are not turning off the credit tap. The momentum observed since the summer shows that they remain present, with a genuine desire to support viable real estate projects."

Banks maintain a cautious but active approach

Despite the deteriorating budgetary context, most institutions are maintaining their lending rates. Some – like CCF – are pursuing a targeted opening policy, favoring borrowers with balanced profiles: stable income, sound financial management, and a reasonable down payment.

For Pierre Chapon: "CCF's positioning clearly illustrates the new situation: banks are seeking to reopen credit to solid borrowers, but not necessarily premium ones. This signals a return to a more pragmatic approach to real estate financing."

Focus: CCF, a symbol of credit on the verge of reopening

CCF continues to pursue its strategy: focusing on "medium" customer segments, those well-equipped but not wealthy clients, and offering them attractive conditions to revive loan production.

This is a strategy that other institutions could imitate by the end of the year, with the same objective: to rebuild the dynamics of mortgage lending without degrading the quality of applications.

For Pierre Chapon: "This type of positioning sends a strong signal: credit is once again becoming a lever for development for banks, and no longer a source of risk to be contained."

What changes in November

New off-peak hours

Since November 1st, the off-peak hours for electricity have changed. The goal: to better align with renewable energy production.

In practical terms, off-peak hours are now concentrated at night in winter (between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.) and during the day in summer (between 23 a.m. and 17 p.m.).

This change encourages households to adapt their usage — charging the car, starting a load of laundry or running the water heater — to times when electricity is cheapest for the grid.

Caps on bank fees in the event of inheritance

This is a small revolution for heirs: from November 13th, the fees charged by banks when settling an estate are finally regulated.

They will not be able to exceed 1% of the deceased's assets, with a ceiling set at €850.

This measure puts an end to sometimes very significant discrepancies between institutions and strengthens banking transparency.

The winter truce has returned.

As every year, the winter truce begins on November 1st and runs until March 31st, 2026.

During this period, no eviction can be carried out, even in the event of unpaid rent.

A useful reminder in a context of housing tension, as rents continue to rise and energy insecurity spreads.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.