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The ups and downs of letting your property to holiday-makers!
Many people offer some sort of holiday accommodation from their property in France. For some, perhaps those running a larger gîte complex, this is their main occupation, taking up a large part of the year; while others that may more casually let their second home or a portion of their home here in France. More and more people see the letting of a room or two as a possible way of producing an income. At the same time, many involved have reported that 2011 has been a particularly difficult year with visitor numbers down and people increasingly looking for ‘bargains’ and ‘last minute deals.’
Clearly, the Euro’s tenacity against the Pound, nor the price of fuel (which has made driving to the South West of France a more pricey option) is helping. The general increase in the cost of living in France may also have made things like ‘stopping for a coffee or a beer’ and stocking up at the supermarket more of a concern for travellers. Some holiday-makers have also commented on the increased cost of getting into summer attractions, parks and lakes. Increases which are making it more and more difficult for families to stretch the budget.
Further to this, there is the increased availability of let accommodation in the area, which naturally dilutes the number of guests to each property, there is the creeping phenomenon of the ‘reacquainting guests’ - many people choosing to visit (and stay with) friends and families already resident in France. This certainly seems to have been a year for travelling to see old friends and family with property in the region; all completely logical considering the pressure that people have found themselves in (real or perceived) back in the UK with its volatile economic situation.
So, is there anything that we can do to improve the chances of letting out holiday accommodation? After consulting with various people involved in the provision and use of holiday houses, here are a few pointers as well as some of the concerns raised.
How to get your business/property noticed?
It is quite possible to spend a small fortune on advertising your property and see no really identifiable results. There is actually so much holiday accommodation available that it’s often a question of good luck rather than good management achieving results. So is there any point in advertising at all?
Well yes it is, but selectively! Ask yourself, is it worth advertising your property on websites that are listing possibly 1000s of properties in France or even worldwide? The general opinion seems to be moving away from sites that are charging (often hefty) fees for simple inclusion on a website. There is little reason for these sites to then ‘earn their money’ and sell your property. It does seem that there is a move towards advertising on websites that charge a commission; meaning you only pay for bookings made.
Often people are concerned about the amount of
David from Assistance Franco Anglaise (
www.afa82.com) explains. “A web presence is essential nowadays for the successful international marketing of your gîte business. A website is accessible to clients worldwide, 24 hours a day. Potential clients get a fuller picture and much more information than via a simple printed advertisement. Furthermore, you can be contacted directly and rapidly through your site via email, which most customers prefer to making an international telephone call. David offers a fully comprehensive package and your website can be ready within 14 days – special all-inclusive prices for Quercy Local readers starting from just €250.”
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