Long Term Lets in France

FRANCE remains one of the most popular countries to visit for many holiday makers and nowadays, an increasing number of house hunters.



The problem today is that within the most sought after regions there is an over-abundance of holiday gite accommodation writes Steve Ellis of the rental property website Lets (sic) Rent Property In France.com



As soon as you add to this excess of gites the short length of the peak tourist season it quickly becomes clear why the majority of gite and villa landlords are struggling to continue to keep their business feasible let alone profitable.



Offering long term lets of a month or more can give owners the ability to get the most out of their property’s earning potential. By opting to offer short term, holiday gite rental in the summer and long term lets during the off-peak season and over the winter period a property owner can strike a winning balance.



The potential of renting out a property purely for longer term rental can be attractive to many owners. The market for long term lets in France is certainly a healthy one, popular not only with house-hunters looking to rent a place before they buy but with French nationals too. Many young French families choose to rent long term, often for periods of two to three years and in some cases, much longer.



A long term let could indeed become a regular income source for a landlord coupled with less work due to numerous changeovers involved when providing short term, gite accommodation.



Once the decision to let long term is made comes another question; Furnished or unfurnished?



Many long lets are provided fully furnished however if a tenant is moving from other rented accommodation, or is intending staying for a long time they may wish to bring their own furniture. The property owner would then have to be able to store their own furniture and appliances elsewhere.



I would strongly advise property landlords and prospective tenants alike to seek relevant, professional advice from a French Notaire before entering into any form of rental agreement or contract.