The High Council for Financial Stability (HCSF) confirmed during its meeting on September 15, 2026, in Bercy that it will keep the current rules for approving home loans. These include a 35% effort rate ceiling, which limits the proportion of a borrower’s income that can go toward loan payments, a maximum loan term of 25 years, and a 20% flexibility margin allowing banks to adjust the rules under certain conditions. The decision has drawn criticism from some in the real estate sector, who argue that the regulations, set before inflation returned, no longer match today's market. Danielle Dubrac, president of the UNIS, said the rules are out of step with current conditions, as rising interest rates since 2019 have left financially stable households unable to get loans. The UNIS has pushed since 2024 for a system based on borrowers’ living expenses and greater trust in banks’ ability to evaluate loan applications. Vincent Jeanbrun had called for changes to the rules in June, but nearly three months later, no modifications have been made, showing the difficulty of turning housing policy into actual financial action. Julien Carmona, chairman of the board of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, said the current rules have led to a 10% drop in home loans that could have been granted to fully solvent clients without increasing risk for either the bank or the borrower. He also challenged the HCSF’s view of the market, noting that loan production has stabilized since 2024 after a sharp decline. With interest rates rising, Carmona expressed concern that access to credit may become harder for families with lower incomes. Bruno Rouleau, co-founder and General Delegate of the Federation of Mortgage Brokers, described the HCSF as a "very conservative and protective" body focused on managing financial risks. He does not expect the council to change its approach in the near future. Rouleau also pointed out that banks are dealing with a more restrictive environment, facing new prudential rules, cyber threats, changes in European regulations, and the implementation of the Basel III agreement, which could impact their capital needs. In France, where banks mainly offer fixed-rate mortgages, Rouleau warned that if these prudential rules aren’t adjusted, banks might have to cut back on loans or change how they fund real estate. A more challenging financial climate, marked by higher long-term interest rates and concerns about government debt, also makes banks hesitant to take more risks with lending. For real estate professionals, the rules remain the same. Loan applications will continue to be evaluated under the 35% effort rate limit and a maximum 25-year term, with banks still able to use their flexibility margin. In a market where financing is essential for real estate projects, the importance of planning and anticipating a buyer’s ability to secure a loan has never been greater.