Mortgage release
A mortgage release (mainlevée) is the deed by which the bank gives up its mortgage, once the loan has been repaid or when the property is sold.
It is drawn up by the notary and entered in the public register, which frees the property from any security. Without a release, the mortgage remains on record even after the last repayment.
On a sale, the notary pays off the loan balance with the price paid by the buyer and arranges the release: the buyer receives a property free of any charge.