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Seasonal rental Turn your property into a source of income

Seasonal rental is an investment strategy that attracts a multitude of investors due to its lucrative potential. With the assurance of regular bookings and tempting rents, it also offers the flexibility to use one's property at one's convenience. However, for this investment to be profitable, it is crucial to establish effective management of the schedule and ensure that the property maintains its quality standards.

Opportunities and flexibility of seasonal rentals

Seasonal rentals offer greater flexibility than traditional leases. It allows you to adjust the length of stays to demand, while maximizing profitability. However, this flexibility requires rigorous organization and continuous adaptation to travelers' expectations and changing regulations. Masterful management and strategic planning in terms of location and pricing can turn your real estate project into a thriving business.

The importance of location

In real estate, location is often the cornerstone of any successful project. Even the most charming home can become a burden if it's located in an unsuitable area. Central neighborhoods or those close to tourist attractions not only guarantee a high frequency of bookings, but also allow for strategic price adjustments according to seasonal peaks or cultural events. Opting for the right location requires research into the local real estate market and an analysis of tourist trends.

The right prices for greater profitability

Defining the right price for a seasonal rental requires a detailed analysis of various parameters, such as competition, seasonality and local events. A price that's too low could undervalue your property and reduce revenue potential, while one that's too high could deter travelers. Using benchmarking tools and learning about local practices can help establish dynamic pricing, maximizing profits while maintaining a high booking rate.

Treat yourself to concierge services

Calling on a concierge service for your vacation rentals is a way of ensuring stress-free management while optimizing your income. These professionals take charge of all tasks, from managing reservations and welcoming travelers, to housekeeping and maintenance. In addition to relieving the owner of logistical obligations, some concierge services also handle administrative tasks, such as registering the property or paying tourist tax. In the event of a problem, they have a network of service providers capable of intervening rapidly. With a turnkey service, concierge services make the most of seasonal rentals, ensuring a top-of-the-range experience for travelers while offering peace of mind for the owner.

Controlled organization

The success of a vacation rental depends on flawless organization, from maintenance to cleaning to welcoming tenants. A clean and welcoming property not only improves ratings and reviews on rental platforms, but also ensures high visibility, translating into a higher booking rate. Some owners choose to outsource certain tasks via concierge services or use automated tools to keep day-to-day management running smoothly.

Difference

A classified meublé de tourisme has an official classification of 1 to 5 stars, attesting to a certain level of comfort and services, and entitling the owner to specific tax benefits. Unclassified furnished accommodation is accommodation that has not been subjected to this type of classification, giving owners greater freedom in presenting their offer.

B&Bs and gîtes: an alternative worth considering

For investors wishing to avoid the hazards of conventional rentals, chambres d'hôtes and gîtes offer a structured model offering greater stability. Typically operating with longer stays, often located in picturesque environments such as the countryside or mountains, these accommodations offer amenities such as swimming pools or playgrounds to attract family or group clientele, increasing loyalty and reducing the risk of off-peak periods.

New rules in 2025

Seasonal rental rules have recently evolved to better regulate the market, protect permanent residents and respond to environmental issues. Here are the main changes:

  • in certain communes, converting a property into a furnished tourist accommodation now requires prior authorization for a change of use
  • properties must meet minimum energy performance standards (class F by 2025, class E by 2028 and classes A to D from 2034, except for principal residences)
  • communes can limit the rental of principal residences to 90 days per year
  • PLUs can designate zones for principal residences and set quotas for furnished accommodation, with substantial fines for failure to register or make false declarations
  • co-owners must inform the syndic when they become meublé de tourisme renters, to ensure compliance and prevent potential conflicts. Henceforth, co-ownership rules can be adjusted by a two-thirds majority to prohibit such rentals.

The impact of taxation on rental income

The tax regime applied to seasonal rentals depends on the income generated and its frequency. Owners with annual rental income of less than €77,700 can use the micro-BIC system, benefiting from a 50% allowance on declared income. Conversely, those whose rental income exceeds €23,000 and represents a significant proportion of their total income must register with Urssaf as professional furnished-rental owners (LMP), and pay social security contributions. To choose the best tax regime, consider the following points:
  • If your annual rental income is under €15,000, the micro-BIC system is advantageous, thanks to a 30% deduction.
  • In the case of major expenses (maintenance or repairs), the actual tax system may be preferable for deducting these costs from rental income.
  • For simplified management of short-term rentals, the micro-BIC scheme is recommended.