Make your holiday home pay for itself – but keep it legal

These days, more people than ever choose to offset the costs of owning a home abroad by letting it out when they are not using it. It’s a great way to off-set some of the costs of a second home, and most homes benefit from being lived in.

Earning some income during peak times can pay the bills, especially if you are in a tourist area – and as long as you make sure you do it legally. You must declare you income from letting a French home, even if you live outside France. Such income is subject to French social charges.
You also need to alert your local mairie if you are renting out a property that is not your principal home, or if you live in a town (such as Paris) where short-term letting permission has become more complicated ue to housing pressures.
Once you are sure it is legal, market your property though the big portals, find good help on the ground to manage your home and make sure you adhere to safety regulations (you will definitely need smoke alarms and may need inspections).
Take a look at some of our agents top ‘holiday home’ selection.