# Personal deposit: how much do you really need to buy?

Buying a property is often seen as one of the great milestones of adult life. Personally, I found the idea of investing in my first home both exciting and nerve-wracking. The down payment is one of the key elements in this equation, often shrouded in mystery and intimidating figures. So how much do you really need to buy in 2025?

## Understanding down payments

The down payment is the amount you invest directly in the purchase without taking out a loan. According to the Crédit Logement/CSA Observatory, in 2025, the deposit will generally be between 10% and 20% of the price of the property. To be more precise, this is around 16.6% for a new property and 20.7% for an old one. For example, if you are planning to buy a flat for €150,000, the deposit required would be around €24,900. For a house costing €200,000, you would need to put down around €33,200.

## Why is it vital to have a deposit?

Firstly, having a deposit helps you to comply with the rules of the Haut Conseil de Stabilité Financière (HCSF). It’s crucial to keep your debt level below 35% and not to take out a loan for more than 25 years. This shows the bank that you know how to manage your finances and you reduce the banking risk by borrowing less. What’s more, this down payment often covers ancillary costs such as solicitors’ fees, so you don’t needlessly add to your borrowing.

### Personal deposit and banking conditions

Despite the fall in interest rates forecast for 2025, to between 3.20% and 3.35% over 20 years excluding insurance, banks generally require a personal deposit. This reassures the financial institution of your ability to save and finance part of the project yourself.

## Can you buy without a deposit?

If, like me, you’ve been tempted by the myth of buying a house with no money down, you should know that although it is possible, it is extremely rare and risky. Some banks may accept lower deposits, depending on your profile, but buying with no deposit is the exception rather than the rule. It’s a winding road that requires rock-solid financial strength.

## Building up a deposit

So the question is: where does this famous deposit come from? There are several sources that can be explored. Personal savings built up over the years, family grants and even certain loans specifically for the purchase can all help to increase your deposit. I personally accumulated savings for this major project, and knowing that it was for a good cause helped me to stay motivated.

## Final thoughts

In short, a personal contribution is not only a banking requirement, but also a guarantee of security for yourself. It’s a sign that you’re prepared and serious about your property project. Whether you’re in the process of building up your deposit or already planning your first purchase, understanding these aspects is crucial. I’ve been there, and while it’s not always an easy road, it can be navigated successfully with a little planning and discipline.

Buying a home is a big adventure, and personal input plays a fundamental role in this journey. We hope that this overview provides you with some guidance and reassurance at this crucial stage in your life. Feel free to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have in the comments, I’d be delighted to answer them!

#PersonalInvestment #FirstBuy #BuyWithoutInvestment #Savings #Real Estate Advice #Financing

FAQ

What is fundraising and why is it so crucial for a company?
Fundraising, or raising capital, is the process by which a company seeks and obtains capital from external investors. As highlighted in the article, it’s not just a means of financing development or recruitment, but a true accelerator that propels a company towards exceptional growth and increased scalability. It’s an essential step to transform an entrepreneurial dream into a tangible and sustainable reality.
Who are the main players involved in a fundraising round ?
The article highlights several key players. First, there are Business Angels, often former entrepreneurs who bring not only funds but also valuable expertise. Then, venture capital funds (VCs), family offices, and corporate venture capital (CVCs) are powerful partners. Finally, mentors, incubators, and accelerators complete this picture by offering essential support and resources throughout the journey.
What are the different funding stages a startup can go through ?
The funding journey is progressive. It often starts with Love Money and Bootstrapping (self-financing), which lay the foundations. Then come the Pre-Seed and Seed rounds, crucial for transforming an idea into a prototype (MVP) and validating the market. Subsequent stages include Series A, B, C, etc., which aim to increase the funding amounts and the startup’s valuation. For more mature, fast-growing companies, development capital is essential. Finally, an Initial Public Offering (IPO) allows companies to raise funds from the public.
What financial instruments are commonly used during a fundraising round ?
The article mentions several strategic tools that provide the necessary flexibility for financing innovative startups. These include convertible bonds (OCAs), warrants (BSA AIR), and crowdfunding platforms. These instruments are chosen based on the company’s development stage and investment objectives.

You should also know that we can assist you with fundraising.
In this specific case, an investor or group of investors can either take shares and invest in your company, or lend you the funds.

What key concepts must be mastered to succeed in fundraising?
Several notions are crucial to master for effective fundraising. Pre-investment (pre-money) and post-investment (post-money) valuation are fundamental for negotiation. Dilution of founders’ shares and the shareholders’ agreement are also essential points of vigilance to preserve the balance of power. Finally, due diligence, a thorough audit, and a well-drafted term sheet lay the foundations for the relationship with investors.
What are the concrete steps of a fundraising round?
The fundraising process generally unfolds in four main stages:

  1. Preparation: Creating a concise and captivating pitch deck, clearly outlining the problem, solution, business model, and strategy.
  2. Investor Identification: Targeting the most suitable investors (business angels, venture capital funds, etc.).
  3. Pitching and Negotiation: Convincing investors and negotiating the legal and financial terms.
  4. Due Diligence and Closing: The thorough audit before finalization and signing of legal documents.

 

You should also know that we can assist you with fundraising.
In this specific case, an investor or group of investors can either take shares and invest in your company, or lend you the funds. The steps could be different.

What is the ultimate goal for investors in a fundraising round?
Beyond helping the company develop, investors primarily seek capital gains on their investment. This implies a planned and controlled exit, either through the resale of their shares or through an initial public offering (IPO) of the company. Fundraising is therefore a mutually beneficial strategy, where both parties aim for lasting financial success.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions about fundraising!

Contact us and we will answer you.