Owning a home in France is a dream for many – waking up to birdsong in the countryside or sipping coffee on a sunny balcony. But if you don’t live there full-time, managing the property can quickly become more stressful than serene.
After all, no one wants to spend the first day of their holiday cleaning the pool and clearing the gutters!
Whether you visit only a few times a year or plan to rent your home out regularly, it’s important to have a plan in place. From finding the right support to understanding fees, here’s how to keep your French property in perfect shape – without the headaches.
Contents
- Hiring a property manager
- Understanding property management fees
- Renting out your property
- Maintenance and upkeep
- Alternatives to professional management
Property management is a huge help for renting, but also for maintaining a second home
Hiring a property manager
For overseas homeowners, hiring a property manager can transform property ownership from a source of stress to a seamless experience. A good manager or agency will handle everything from overseeing repairs and gardening to dealing with guests or tenants.
Choose your provider carefully: check online reviews, compare services, and – if possible – speak to other owners who use the same company. The right property manager will not only keep things running smoothly, but will also proactively communicate when action is needed.
Understanding property management fees
The cost of property management depends on the scope of services and the property’s location. Expect to pay more in high-demand tourist regions, and less in rural or inland areas.
In shared buildings like apartments, you’ll also pay charges de copropriété – fees covering communal services such as lifts, security, and maintenance. These can add up quickly: owners of a 60 m2 flat might pay around €3,000 per year, or roughly €250 per month.
These fees should be factored into your long-term budget, especially if you won’t be there to handle issues in person.
With proper management, letting out your French apartment becomes fuss-free
Renting out your property
If you don’t plan to live in your French home full-time, renting it out is a great way to offset costs. You’ll need to decide between short-term holiday lets and longer-term leases, each with its own considerations.
Tourist rentals
Short-term lets can be lucrative, especially in popular regions. However, managing them remotely requires a well-oiled support team. Cleaners, gardeners, handymen – and ideally a property manager – are essential to keeping your guests happy and reviews strong.
Be aware of local restrictions: some communes limit how often second homes can be rented to tourists. A local management firm will know the rules and help you stay compliant.
Long-term rentals
Letting your home long-term offers a simpler path, but requires careful preparation. Your manager will handle tenant vetting, compliance checks, and deposit collection. Because eviction in France is slow and difficult, ensuring reliable tenants is vital.
Expect to pay your agent the equivalent of one month’s rent for this service. Always review the contract in detail and watch for hidden fees or auto-renewing terms.
Contract local experts to keep your property properly maintained
Maintenance and upkeep
Regular maintenance keeps your property safe, attractive, and profitable. Whether you’re renting it out or just visiting a few times a year, small repairs left unchecked can lead to bigger problems later.
Property managers typically oversee seasonal tasks – clearing gutters, preparing for winter, and checking pipes in colder months. They can also advise when larger investments are needed, such as replacing ageing appliances or refreshing tired interiors, ideally before guests notice and leave a poor review.
Alternatives to professional management
If you’d prefer to avoid agency fees, there are other options. You could ask a neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on the property. This works well for occasional visits, but can be a burden if you’re renting it out regularly. Be clear about how you’ll reimburse their time.
Self-management is also possible with the right tools. Key safes and smart locks allow flexible guest check-ins, while cleaning and maintenance can be coordinated remotely. This approach requires more involvement but gives you full control.
Still unsure? Speak with one of our trusted local estate agents for recommendations. The right support can make a world of difference.
