French Leasebacks

For those who are unfamiliar with French leasebacks, here is a short description of what they are and the benefits. A French leaseback allows investors to buy a freehold French property that allows investors to cover a majority of the mortgage repayments with the tax-free rental income they receive.

Back to Blog

Although the initial purchase price includes the 19.6% VAT, the VAT is eventually fully refunded to buyers. A management company will then rent out the property for 9 to 11 years, taking care of maintenance and insurance costs. However, owners receive an annual return through the rental income, generally around 3% to 5% a year, and also have the benefit of spending a couple weeks a year in their own residence or other associated French properties.

The leaseback scheme was implemented by the French government in the 1980s to spur more consumption within the tourism and construction industries. The government realized that there were more and more tourists visiting France and that the country needed an incentive for outside buyers to invest in French property, so the current French leaseback system was created.

A French mortgage can easily be obtained through a mortgage broker, even if the buyer does not live in France. Obtaining a French mortgage for leasebacks is an extremely attractive option because interest rates are low and the taxable rental revenue can be reduced by the amount of interest paid on the French mortgage. For further instructions on how to successfully obtain French mortgages for buying real estate in France, please contact France Home Finance.


Posted August 23, 2010

Blog Categories

Archives

France Home Finance in the News


Posted January 31, 2025

Paris Property End of Year Update 2023


Posted December 15, 2023

Covid-19 and French Mortgages


Posted August 5, 2020

2018 French Wealth Tax Changes


Posted February 8, 2018

Paris Real Estate Outlook 2015


Posted April 24, 2015

France Home Finance on TV


Posted March 27, 2014

French Property Tax Update 2014


Posted February 27, 2014

French Housing Market Outlook 2014


Posted February 26, 2014

Retire to Paris Marais


Posted December 1, 2013

France’s Economy is Looking Up


Posted April 28, 2011

Exchange Rate Forecast


Posted April 21, 2011

Why France is still Drawing Expats


Posted April 1, 2011

Euro Exchange Rate Outlook


Posted March 25, 2011

France, World Tourism Leader in 2010


Posted March 21, 2011

Update on the French Mortgage Market


Posted March 16, 2011

Role of the Notaire


Posted February 28, 2011

European Economic Outlook for 2011


Posted February 10, 2011

Key French Tax Deadlines for 2011


Posted February 10, 2011

The Complete Mortgage Process


Posted January 18, 2011

French Property Taxes Image


Posted November 25, 2010

The Benefits of Hiring a Mortgage Broker


Posted November 10, 2010

Qualifying for a French Mortgage


Posted October 28, 2010

Fixed or Variable Mortgage Rate?


Posted September 6, 2010

French Leasebacks


Posted August 23, 2010

Key French tax deadlines for 2010


Posted December 20, 2009

Cash Clinic


Posted December 1, 2008

Positive perspectives on French Property


Posted November 16, 2008

Know before you go


Posted May 3, 2008

Join the Paris Express


Posted April 27, 2008

Hot investment tip


Posted April 3, 2008

Achieve Capital Returns


Posted January 5, 2008

Not one pied-a-terre, but three


Posted July 11, 2007