The French government has announced plans to extend its zero-interest loan (PTZ) program, which helps cover up to 50% of mortgage interest, with a maximum limit of 180,000 euros. Last year, the program benefited 70,000 households and had a budget of around 2.4 billion euros, according to the Matignon government office. The current PTZ, aimed at first-time homebuyers, is set to end on December 31, 2027, but the Housing Minister, Vincent Jeanbrun, mentioned during a press briefing that the program could be extended "at least until 2028." The final decision will be made when the draft budget law is presented on September 30. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has also proposed creating a "parental" or "family" PTZ by 2027, based on a bill introduced by deputy Constance de Pélichy. This new program would be available to families with new children, from the 6th month of pregnancy until the child turns three. It would work in addition to the standard PTZ and would specifically target second-time homebuyers—those who have already purchased a property. For example, a couple where one spouse previously bought a home would not currently qualify for the PTZ, but the new "parental" version would make it possible for them to access the loan again. The "family" PTZ would apply to both new homes and existing properties, provided energy renovation work is completed. The government estimates the program’s budget to be between 500 and 600 million euros over five years, or about 100 million euros annually. The conditions for this new program would be the same as the standard PTZ, including household income, property type, location (classified as "tense" or "relaxed" zones), and the number of people in the household. Eligibility thresholds vary by zone and household size, with higher limits in "relaxed" zones and for larger families. The proposed expansion of the PTZ has received positive feedback from industry professionals. The program, first introduced in 1995, has experienced several phases of interruption, including a suspension for new home construction between 2024 and 2025 and a halt for property purchases in relaxed areas. This new extension could help families currently unable to move up the property ladder due to high prices and low interest rates from previous years. Some families bought homes when interest rates were as low as 1% or 1.5%, but now face difficulty selling to afford a larger home under current market conditions. In addition to the PTZ expansion, the government has proposed freezing Personal Housing Allowances (APL, ALS, and ALF), which are currently indexed to inflation. This decision has sparked criticism from groups like the Association of Mayors of France and the Social Union for Housing. Meanwhile, the budget for energy renovation programs like MaPrimeRénov may decrease next year, with reduced direct state funding being offset by increased support for Energy Savings Certificates (CEE), funded by private energy companies.