What is the market for long-term lets?
The market for long lets in France is healthy and growing year on year. Most of these lets are for periods of up to six months, with 2 to 3 months arguably being the most popular, though there has also been an increase in the requirement for rentals of up to a year. House hunters make up the majority of people looking to rent for a longer period and many like to check out different areas and so can stay in several properties. The demand also comes from people taking sabbaticals and retirees etc. These lets are generally off-season as the cost of renting for a month or more in the summer can be prohibitive.

The dramatic increase in the last few years of people from the UK looking to purchase property in France, has helped fuel the demand for long lets*. 'Rent before you buy' really does make sense if you can afford the time. Conversely, it has also helped in the supply of properties available for long lets. As more and more foreign buyers purchase property in France with the intention of running a gîte or two, the competition has increased in the standard holiday rental market. These more difficult conditions are encouraging many owners to advertise their properties for long winter lets as a means of maximising their earning potential. Most property owners naturally prefer the higher revenues potentially available during summer, but many now welcome extra off-season income with the bonus that their property is being occupied and heated. There are also fewer overheads for the owner, with a long term let, as there are no change overs and the tenant usually pays for the utilities.

* Oddly enough, in 2010 with the downturn of the sales market in France, there has been an increase in potential buyers entering the long term rental market, as they wait for the markets to change.

“The Roussillon boasts a superb ski centre in winter. In summer you can bike, raft, rock climb, canyon, sun bathe, scuba dive, sail, swim in the Mediterranean and horse ride or just relax in a pool. The area has the best sunshine record in France. The Cathars were prominent in the area 1000 years ago and have left a series of spectacular castles in the area which are worth visiting as much for the awesome views as for the history and buildings.....”