Many buy-to-let French property investors prefer to project manage their French holiday-let whilst in the renovation stage. This approach is fine, however careful planning is required as well as strategy when looking for the perfect French property investment.
Location, Location . . . Location?
Desirable locations such as the South of France for summer French holiday-lets and snowy French mountains for French winter ski-ing-lets would appear to be the ideal French property-let hotspots. But, there are a few factors to consider when looking for a French holiday-let or second home in France.
Many French property purchasers, purchase Coup de Coeur properties in idyllic and remote areas of France far from the hustle and bustle of town and city life. Compared to the fast-paced UK life, a tranquil French countryside gîte would appear to be perfect for those UK holiday guests looking for a holiday in which to de-stress. There is no doubt that a quiet, isolated French countryside property with a well-maintained swimming pool and lovingly tendered garden would appeal to holiday makers. Strategically, however, the property management of your French holiday-let may not be as inviting to the service providers. Many property management services in France may be reluctant to accept properties which are difficult to reach or incur lengthy travel times. If a property manager has to travel more than 50 minutes to reach your French property-let to carry out a change-over service, then the travel expenses and time incurred will not be cost-effective for you or the property manager on a regular basis. In addition, if an emergency were to occur at a managed property, then urgent attendance may be unrealistic, if the journey time is greater than 30 minutes. Further, isolated French properties may attractive expensive delivery charges for materials to site, if your French holiday-let property is undergoing renovation. An additional consideration in the purchase of an isolated French property let is the increased risk of burglary. If the property is let only in the summer months and shuttered for the remainder of the year with no sign of activity, then it may be vulnerable to crime and damage. Therefore, it may be prudent to consider properties near to towns and services when searching for your ideal French property purchase. Your guests may also enjoy the ease in which to visit their nearby town in order to shop and to enjoy easy to reach leisure facilities.
Remember . . . Location, Location, Location is important as an astute buy-to-let French property investor.