If you have considered becoming a homeowner this year, whether for your primary residence or a rental investment, you have surely followed the evolution of rates closely. And you've probably noticed a positive trend: real estate rates have been falling throughout 2024.
2024: more borrowing capacity and prospects
Several factors explain this dynamic. First, the European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced its key rates several times. Result: banks, which saw their own financing costs decrease, followed the movement by lowering their mortgage rates. In terms of real estate prices, the market also offered a breath of fresh air this year. In 2024, prices fell by 5% on average across France and are not expected to rise again until the second half of 2025. “In mainland France, prices of old housing have fallen for the fourth consecutive quarter over one year”, underline, for their part, the Notaries of France.
But then how many square meters can you buy today compared to December 2023? We asked the online real estate broker Pretto to calculate the purchase possibilities with a 25-year credit (excluding insurance), based on a monthly net income of €4,800 before taxes. The numbers are clear: with lower rates, buyers can now get more space for their budget.
Between 3 m2 and 21 m2 more
In Saint-Étienne, this translates into +21 additional m². In Le Havre, buyers can obtain 19 m² more. In cities like Toulon (+ 18 m²) and Grenoble (+ 19 m²), these gains also make it possible to add an additional room. Even in cities like Lille, Montpellier, Toulouse, more than 10 m² are added, the equivalent of an additional bedroom. And in the tightest markets, such as Paris (+ 3 m²), Nice (+ 4 m²) or Marseille (+ 3 m²), buyers also benefit from an increase in surface area. A dynamic that allows you to gain space, choose a better location and, potentially, access more popular neighborhoods.
Pour 2025, “the aspirations of the French to become owners or to improve their housing remain a powerful driver of market support. Even in the face of economic and political uncertainties. What they are looking for above all is stability which allows them to build their life project in serene and lasting conditions.underlines Pierre Chapon, President of the online broker Pretto.
