I want to compare mortgage offers across EU countries. Is there a standard format?

What the Law Says

The EU Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD) establishes a harmonised framework for residential mortgage lending, including a mandatory standard information sheet to help consumers compare offers fairly and transparently.

The European Standardised Information Sheet (ESIS) is a mandatory, pre-contractual document that lenders must provide to consumers before they sign a mortgage agreement. It contains key information such as the annual percentage rate of charge (APRC), total amount of credit, repayment schedule, and risks related to foreign currency or variable rates.

Lenders must give the ESIS in good time before contract conclusion — at least seven days before signing — to allow the consumer a cooling-off period. The offer remains valid for at least 90 days from the date the ESIS is provided, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The ESIS must be presented in a clear, concise, and comparable format across all EU Member States, using standard definitions and layout. This ensures consumers can meaningfully compare offers from different lenders and countries.

Statutory Text

The creditor shall provide the consumer with a European Standardised Information Sheet (ESIS)… in good time before the conclusion of the credit agreement.

— Directive 2014/17/EU, Art. 13(1) — Information requirements

Statutory Text

The ESIS shall be provided in a standardised format… enabling the consumer to compare offers from different creditors.

— Directive 2014/17/EU, Art. 13(2)

Statutory Text

The consumer shall have a right of withdrawal of at least seven days from the date on which the credit agreement was concluded.

— Directive 2014/17/EU, Art. 15(1) — Right of withdrawal

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