When a Frenchman wishes to become an owner, he must generally have a personal contribution to complete his mortgage. This contribution is in principle required by banks, mainly to cover the notary fees, agency fees and guarantees. We often talk about 10 to 20 % of the price of good, but the reality is quite different: in major cities, the average contribution is not the one we believe.
An amount that exceeds expectations
In 2025, the average contribution in 10 largest French cities reached 81 294 €. A figure that largely exceeds the minimum thresholds required by financial institutions. And even if this amount is slightly decreased compared to 2024, it testifies to a substantive trend: the French mobilize substantial sums to secure their real estate project.
A top 3 without surprise … or almost
Unsurprisingly, Paris remains at the top of the ranking with an average contribution of 131 238 € In 2025. It was a fall marked compared to 2024 (€ 224,12), but the capital retains its place as undisputed leader. The high prices, coupled with increased banking requirements, explain this always high level.
In second position, we find Lyon with 125 074 €and in third position Nice with 91 628 €. The latter displays a significant increase in its average contribution compared to 2024, a direct consequence of tension on its real estate market.
Table of average contributions by city
| Ville | Average contribution 2025 | Evolution 2024 – 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 131 238 € | – 41 % |
| Lyon | 125 074 € | – |
| Nice | 91 628 € | + 25 % |
| Lille | 55 124 € | – 23 % |
| Nantes | 64 733 € | – 29 % |
Why does the contribution drop in certain cities?
The general decrease observed in 2025 is explained by several factors. On the one hand, the economic tension pushes certain households to reduce their savings effort. On the other hand, real estate prices have experienced stabilization, or even a slight decrease in certain metropolises such as Lille et Nantes. Less pressure on prices is sometimes less required.
But this trend is not homogeneous. Some cities like Nice See their average contribution climbing strongly, a sign that the market remains tense, even speculative.
Did you know?
According to the Banque de Franceborrowers with a Contribution greater than 30 % obtain an average of a lower rate of 0,15 point to those whose contribution is less than 10 %. A significant advantage over the Total cost of a mortgage of € 200,000 over 20 years.
Impact on credit and rates
Personal contribution remains a very powerful negotiation lever. The higher it is, the more the borrower reassures his bank. A Contribution greater than 30 % Even allows you to obtain better credit conditions: reduction in the rate, minorless file fees, and sometimes greater flexibility on the durations.
Conversely, a low contribution is today a major obstacle, especially in a context of higher interest rate than in 2020 or 2021. Some banks now refuse files to less than 10 % of contribution, except in special cases.
The main trends of 2025
The decline in the average contribution hides another reality: the return of a two -speed market. In tense areas (Paris, Nice, Lyon), prices remain high, conditions of access to strict credit, and buyers put everything on the table. In other metropolises (Lille, Nantes), the real estate slowdown gives a little air, and the contributions adjust.
What is certain is that the personal contribution will not disappear. It is even more crucial than ever. This is evidenced by increase in credit refusals For too light files. The time of loans at 110 % is indeed over.
Prediction 2026: towards a redesigned contribution?
While 2025 was marked by an overall drop in personal contribution in several major French cities, real estate experts anticipate a contrasting development in 2026. The progressive rise in interest ratescombined with stabilization (even a slight drop) of prices in certain metropolises, could encourage new profiles of buyers to get started with more modest intakes. Banks, for their part, could maintain their vigilance, demanding a minimum contribution around 15 to 20 % To protect yourself against reimbursement defects. However, part of the professionals bet on the emergence of new help devices or support, like PTZ enlarged or public guarantees, likely to breathe breathe with first-time buyers. Finally, if the trends remain differentiated according to the territories, one thing seems certain: the contribution will no longer be only a question of figures, but also of strategy. Between taxation, energy renovation and new uses of housing, Buyers of 2026 will have to deal with parameters more complex than ever.
In 2025, becoming a owner still demanded a solid contribution. If it drops slightly on average, it remains very high in large cities. Geography, banking context, and buyer profiles draw a moving landscape, where prior savings remains the key.
It is therefore better to prepare your project long in advance, assess your debt capacity, and compare cities in office not only from the price per m², but also of the average contribution required locally. Because this is where the feasibility is often played … or not, your real estate dream.
