The Shared Equity Scheme Explained Step by Step

The French government has launched a shared equity scheme to help first-time homebuyers in Saint-Tropez get on the property ladder, with 20% of the purchase price covered by the state.

This initiative matters now because the dynamic real estate market in Saint-Tropez has seen prices skyrocket in recent years, making it difficult for young buyers to afford homes in desirable areas like the Old Town or near the famous Pampelonne Beach. The scheme aims to address this issue by providing financial assistance to those who need it most, allowing them to purchase properties in sought-after neighbourhoods like Rue Gambetta or Rue du Temple.

In Saint-Tropez, the shared equity scheme will be administered by the local authorities in partnership with organisations like the Saint-Tropez Town Hall and the Var Departmental Council. Buyers can apply for the scheme through approved lenders like Crédit Agricole or Société Générale, which have branches on Rue François Sibilli or Rue du Port. The scheme will also be promoted through local estate agents like Saint-Tropez Immobilier or Agence Immobilière de Saint-Tropez, which have extensive knowledge of the local market and can guide buyers through the application process.

According to data from the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the average property price in Saint-Tropez has increased by 15% in the past year, reaching €650,000. With the shared equity scheme, first-time buyers can purchase a property worth up to €400,000, with the government covering 20% of the purchase price, or €80,000. This means that buyers will only need to secure a mortgage for €320,000, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. As of June 2026, 50 applications have already been received, with 20 approved and 10 properties purchased through the scheme.

How the Scheme Works

The shared equity scheme is available to first-time buyers who meet certain eligibility criteria, including being under 40 years old, having a household income below €60,000, and not owning any other property. Buyers must also intend to occupy the property as their primary residence and commit to living there for at least 5 years. The scheme is open to buyers of new or existing properties, including apartments and houses, in Saint-Tropez and surrounding areas like Gassin or Ramatuelle.

For those interested in applying, the next step is to contact an approved lender or estate agent to discuss eligibility and the application process. The Saint-Tropez Town Hall will also be hosting information sessions at the Salle des Fêtes on July 15 and 22, where buyers can learn more about the scheme and get advice from experts. With the shared equity scheme, first-time homebuyers in Saint-Tropez can finally achieve their dream of owning a home in this beautiful and vibrant town, and start building a secure financial future.