War in the Middle East: what the rise in interest rates from the European Central Bank will change for the French

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As soon as they have visited, the customer knows that they have to go quickly. “I’ve almost made up my mind. I’m going to make my offer and I think we’ll buy before the rates get too high“, he argues. In fact, the European Central Bank has raised its rates, which serve as a reference, by 0.25 points. Objective: to contain the surge in prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Result, among brokers, borrowing is becoming more and more complicated. “We could have an increase in the monthly payment of 15 euros, for example, to give ourselves an idea each month. Which could reduce your borrowing capacity, on a project like yours, by easily 5 to 6,000 euros. Obviously, it will be necessary, in quotes, perhaps better prepare, or that the clients have a little more input so that we can stay on the same project”explains Kevin Docquois, broker at Vousfinancer.

The average credit rate has already increased from 3.17% in December 2025, to 3.34% in May 2026. Another consequence: the Livret A could earn more. Good news for savers, but not necessarily for the economy. “This can encourage households to save more and consume less. We should perhaps remember that consumption is mainly the activity of businesses and therefore less consumption also means less growth. explains Mathieu Plane, economist and deputy director of the OFCE.

It is the Minister of the Economy who will update the savings book rate or not.

European Central Bank

Housing credit observatory

Liste non exhaustive