Mortgage rates remain stable at the end of this year, and banks are already preparing for 2026.

Several banks have already announced their intention to increase their credit production, with ambitious targets for 2026 and competition that could intensify again.

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

• 3,15% over 15 years
• 3,25% over 20 years
• 3,35% over 25 years

Year-end rates remained generally stable

The rates displayed in December confirm the trend established for several weeks: rates change very little, and variations remain marginal depending on the banks and profiles.

Refinancing margins remain limited - the rates offered are at levels close to, or even slightly below, that of the 10-year OAT - but institutions continue to view mortgage lending as a tool for acquiring new customers.

For Pierre Chapon, CEO and co-founder of Pretto: “We are entering a period of deliberate stability: rates are changing very little, but banks have clearly indicated that they are counting on credit to accelerate growth in 2026. Competition should therefore intensify, particularly for balanced profiles.”

2026 in sight: a credit market that could become aggressive again

While most banks maintain stable pricing structures, several signals are converging:

• ambitious production targets announced for 2026,
• a clear desire to regain market share,
• a conquest strategy already visible among some players, such as the CCF, which has been particularly active in recent months.

For Pierre Chapon: "Despite high refinancing costs, some banks continue to prioritize a customer acquisition strategy. Credit is once again becoming a commercial tool, even in a constrained technical environment."

Between budgetary uncertainty and a stable bond market

On the macroeconomic level, the absence to date of a budget voted for 2026 maintains a form of uncertainty.

On the monetary policy front, the ECB maintains a neutral position: its key interest rates remain unchanged, supported by inflation now close to the 2% target.

This prolonged pause helps to stabilize the credit environment, providing banks and households with a more predictable framework for planning their purchases.

On the markets side, the 10-year OAT settled at 3,440%, a stable level which contrasts with the movements observed in the spring.

For Pierre Chapon: "Despite an uncertain budgetary context, banks continue to finance viable projects. Caution remains necessary, but we are clearly no longer in a retreat mode."

For borrowers: conditions more favorable than they seem

Even though rates have risen slightly since the spring, borrowing conditions remain generally more favorable than in 2023 and 2024.

According to MeilleursAgents, the payback period for a property purchase is now 6 years and 9 months on average, compared to 11 years and 8 months in 2023.

For a household able to plan ahead, buying a home is once again a profitable option in the relatively short term. This price reduction illustrates the improved cost-benefit ratio of buying despite rising interest rates.

2025? A year of change, a more stable market at the end of the race

The year 2025 will have seen:

• a turbulent first half of the year, marked by macroeconomic volatility,
• a more cautious mid-year period, with banks refocusing on the quality of loan applications.
• a stabilized end of the year, where rates freeze and banks prepare a more aggressive comeback.

After two difficult years, the credit market is regaining a form of stability, with positive signs for borrowers regarding the coming year.

What's changing in December

Christmas bonus: a payment is expected… but the future is uncertain

The Christmas bonus will be paid on December 16 to more than 2,2 million households receiving RSA, ASS or AER benefits.

The amounts remain unchanged: €152,45 for a single person, €228,67 for two, and €274,41 for three, with increases depending on family composition. However, the government is considering a refocusing as early as 2026: the allowance could be eliminated for recipients without children. This measure was rejected in the first reading but is likely to be reintroduced in the budget debate.

CMG and shared custody: a reform for separated families

From December 1st, each parent will be able to benefit from the CMG-ED when the child is in shared custody.

The goal is to better distribute childcare assistance when both parents effectively meet the child's needs. This reform corrects a blind spot in the current system and reflects a more equitable approach to sharing parental costs.

Reference gas prices: stability at the end of the year

The benchmark price of gas remained stable in December, with even a slight decrease for cooking and hot water uses (from €0,135/kWh to €0,134/kWh).

For heating, the rate remains fixed at €0,102/kWh. A welcome respite for households after another volatile year.

Tax calendar: be aware of the property tax on second homes

Taxpayers concerned must pay the housing tax on their secondary residence before December 15th in the case of non-electronic payment, or until midnight on December 20th for online payment.

For households that have opted for payment on the due date, the debit will take place no later than December 29th.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.