Managing your French property

Owning a property in France is a dream for many, but if you don’t live there full time, managing it can be a challenge.

Nobody wants to arrive at their French holiday home to be greeted by a green pool and a brown garden. And if you are renting the property out for holiday lets, having a local representative becomes all but essential. Concerning property management, here we outline the key considerations.

Hiring a property manager

Hiring a property manager can significantly ease the burden of property upkeep. For those who’d like to be hands-off when it comes to property management, a property manager (or management firm) can be your eyes and ears. Each firm offers a range of services, from tenant screening and lease management to overseeing repairs and maintenance.

Do your due diligence when employing a property management company, checking online reviews and if possible speaking to other owners using the same firm.

Property management fees

The cost of these services will vary depending on the depth of services required and the location of your property. Generally, these fees cover the administration, maintenance and general upkeep of the property.

For example, if you own an apartment in a condominium, you might pay les charges de copropriété which are fees for the joint ownership of common spaces and can include costs for elevators, caretaker salaries and maintenance of shared areas. On average, the co-owner of a 60 m2 apartment might pay around €3,000 per year, or €250 per month.

It’s important for property owners, especially those living abroad, to factor these fees into their budget when considering the management and maintenance of their French properties.

Renting out your property

Turning your French home into a rental can be a lucrative option if you won’t be living in France year-round. Your first decision will be between the more lucrative short-term tourist rentals and the easier but less lucrative long-term rentals.

Tourist rentals

If planning to buy a “fly to let”, it can be worth speaking to a property manager before you buy. They will know the market and what will attract guests, as well as knowing local restrictions on renting out to tourists.

For tourist rentals, unimpeachable online reviews are essential to attract guests, so a reliable cleaning service, gardener and maintenance service is essential.

A property management firm can do all these things. They can also assist with marketing the property, managing check-ins and check-outs, ensuring your property is generating income regardless of how far away you are.

Long term rentals

For long-term rentals, all the work is at the start of the contract, where a manager can check references, that your property complies with all required laws and take rental deposits. Evicting tenants can be extremely expensive and stressful, so it is vital to invest in reliable services from the start.

For this kind of service it is normal to pay the first month’s rent of the year to the managing agent. Take a close look at the contract, however, as there can be hidden costs. Beware, too, the contract lasting several years, with you paying each year even if the tenant stays the same.

Maintenance and upkeep

Maintenance and upkeep are vital to preserving the value and appeal of your property. Regular checks, cleaning, and upkeep prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

For absentee owners, a property manager can schedule and supervise routine maintenance, as well as respond to any urgent repair needs. They can also advise on seasonal maintenance tasks that are particular to the French climate, ensuring your property remains pristine year-round.

They should also be ready to advise you if investment is required, whether white goods nearing the end of their life or décor that is looking tired. It’s better that your property manager highlights it before it gets mentioned on an Airbnb review.

Alternatives to property management firms

Should you not wish to employ a property management service to look after your property, you can also ask neighbours, friends or family members to manage the property in your absence. This often requires quite a lot of work, especially if you’ll be letting the property out, so consider how you’ll reimburse them.

Alternatively, if you choose to manage the property yourself, it’s entirely doable. You can buy key safes for as little as £20 and they can make ease check-ins and check-outs of guests regardless of the hour.

For guidance on letting your property in France, speak to a management firm today. If you do not know of one, ask your estate agent as they may be able to recommend a reputable service.