French deputies approve new PTZ for parents

French deputies approved a new zero-interest loan program, called PTZ "parentalité," in a committee vote on Thursday, October 8. This program is designed to help parents of young children or those expecting a child access housing by expanding an existing financial aid.

PTZ supports home ownership

The PTZ, or Prêt à Taux Zéro, is an existing French financial aid that allows households to finance part of the purchase of their primary residence. Approximately 70,000 households benefit from this program each year, and it is being renewed and expanded as part of the 2027 budget.

Expanding the PTZ for parents

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the expansion of the PTZ to certain parents, allowing them to receive a loan of up to 100,000 euros. The goal is to encourage births, which have been declining sharply, and to help families with young children afford housing. The program now applies to households with a child born or born less than three years ago.

Amendment removes income restrictions

Initially, the PTZ was restricted to households meeting specific income conditions. However, an amendment proposed by the MoDem party removed these restrictions, allowing the program to be available to families with a child under five years old. The loan amount was also increased to a maximum of 100,000 euros, and each beneficiary can use the loan only once.

Debate over fairness and purpose

Jean-Paul Mattéi, the MoDem deputy who proposed the amendment, described the measure as "common sense" that would help young couples struggling to expand their housing. However, some on the left have expressed concerns. Éric Coquerel from La France insoumise warned that the policy could unfairly favor high-income families over those with fewer resources.

Uncertainty remains for the final version

While the committee approved the measure, the final version of the PTZ "parentalité" is still uncertain. Deputies will begin reviewing the finance bill from Tuesday, October 13, and the program may still be modified, reduced, or even removed before final approval.