Expanded Zero-Interest Loan (PTZ) in 2025: Who Can Benefit and How to Take Advantage?

Introduction

Since April 1, 2025, the zero-interest loan (Prêt à Taux Zéro or PTZ) has undergone a major reform significantly expanding its scope. This aid program, designed to help first-time buyers access homeownership, was previously limited to certain new housing in high-demand areas. It is now available for the purchase of new houses across the entire French territory, without geographic restrictions, until December 31, 2027. This change offers a unique opportunity for first-time buyers and low-income households to finance a larger portion of their acquisition without interest, resulting in substantial savings. This comprehensive guide explains who is eligible, how to benefit, and provides concrete examples of the advantages.

1. The Expanded PTZ: A Strengthened and More Accessible Scheme

1.1. What is the Zero-Interest Loan?

The PTZ is an interest-free home loan granted by the State to facilitate the purchase of a primary residence. It finances only part of the transaction, generally between 10% and 50% depending on the type of property and location, and must be complemented by a conventional loan.

1.2. What Changes in 2025?

• Extension to all new houses (individual homes) across France, without zone restrictions.

• Continued eligibility for new collective housing.

• Maximum loan duration extended to 25 years.

• Possible combination with MaPrimeRénov’ to finance significant energy renovations.

• Expanded eligibility to older homes under conditions of energy renovation works.

This reform aims to broadly support new construction and facilitate homeownership even in non-high-demand areas.

2. Who Can Benefit from the Expanded PTZ in 2025?

2.1. Income Conditions

The PTZ targets households whose income does not exceed certain ceilings, which vary according to household size and property location. These ceilings have been adjusted to better reflect economic realities.

2.2. Property Conditions

• The property must be new or under future completion status (completed less than 5 years ago).

• For older properties, energy renovation works representing at least 25% of the total cost must be carried out.

• The property must become the borrower’s primary residence within one year of completion.

2.3. Ownership Conditions

• The beneficiary must not have owned their primary residence in the past two years, except in specific cases (disability, natural disaster, etc.).

• The PTZ is reserved for first-time buyers.

3. How to Benefit from the Expanded PTZ? Concrete Examples of Savings

Example 1: Building a New House for $250,000

A first-time buyer couple with a $20,000 down payment plans to build a new house costing $250,000. In 2024, without the expanded PTZ, they would have had to borrow $230,000 at a 3.40% rate, resulting in monthly payments of about $1,139 over 25 years.

Thanks to the expanded PTZ in 2025, they can now obtain an interest-free loan of $40,000 (16% of the total cost). They only need to borrow $190,000 at the conventional rate. The monthly payment drops to $941, saving nearly $200 per month.

Example 2: Buying a New Apartment in a Non-High-Demand Area

A first-time buyer purchases a new apartment in a non-high-demand area. The PTZ can finance up to 50% of the total cost, significantly reducing the amount borrowed at a conventional rate and easing access to ownership.

4. Tips to Maximize PTZ Benefits

• Plan your project in advance to integrate the PTZ into your financial setup.

• Prepare a solid application with all required documents to speed up processing.

• Combine the PTZ with other aids such as MaPrimeRénov’ for renovation works.

• Negotiate rates and terms of the complementary loan with your bank.

• Respect occupancy conditions to avoid losing PTZ benefits.

Conclusion

The expansion of the zero-interest loan in 2025 is a major step forward to facilitate homeownership, especially for first-time buyers wishing to acquire new houses throughout France. This interest-free loan, combinable with other aids, enables substantial savings on the total cost of mortgage credit. By understanding eligibility criteria and carefully preparing their project, borrowers can fully benefit from this financial boost until 2027.

Key Points Summary:

• PTZ extended to new houses across France since April 2025.

• Interest-free loan up to 50% of acquisition cost depending on property type.

• Income and ownership conditions apply.

• Concrete savings can reach several hundred euros per month.

• Can be combined with MaPrimeRénov’ and other aids.

Keywords: zero-interest loan 2025, expanded PTZ, interest-free mortgage, first-time buyers, new house financing, mortgage savings, PTZ conditions