French Gites - Lifestyle Or A Business?

Many feel compelled to buy a house set lifestyle associated with owning a home. Lazy day in the sun French dinner a glass of wine or two sitting around a pool - that will do me good! After years of 9 to 5 and the hours spent commuting seems to be an interesting option. At 1-for-french-property has been a significant increase in the number of applications for this type of property in recent years. No doubt the often complex home look beautiful from afar, but we must be realistic about buying in this market. First, this is a very competitive market and, like any business is hard work (especially in the early years). Of course, there are many successful business trip, and you can buy in this market! We will not cover the problems of French bureaucracy, but to focus on business issues. Remember this is a business and its approach must be professional and commercial. You need a business plan and must be realistic. If you buy an existing business house to check the accounts at the bottom - What are the trends in recent years? Check the turnover and profits in particular. This is a notorious "cash" in trade and although the owner can mean profits are better than indicated in the accounts - Buyer beware! This includes staff costs or the current owners have done all the work or unused paid by family members? There are plenty of trade again? What are the reserves, as for next year? What the capital will be injected to the renovation and maintenance? In France, the station of "home" is usually July and August - a season of 10 weeks! Outside this period you market and - possibly to foreign markets - to fill its rooms! Often a more expensive house will have 4 or more rental units so they can maximize their profits in the season of "home". Some of the factors - and this is not complete - for consideration in this competitive market, a pathway), location, location - as always, is vital. It is quiet but accessible? Close to the ski? It has a wow factor? Imagine you are looking for a holiday - Want to spend a week here? What do you look for in a vacation? B) The time - the further south along the potential season (unfortunately, the prices are more expensive in the south), c) near an airport budget airline? Ryanair, Flybe, Easyjet flies to several destinations in France and can be a source of "clients" throughout the year. If you want to enter this market should be no more than 30 minutes to 1 hour away. Are you willing to take "clients" to the airport? Q) What is your USP? Pool Houses and chic are not enough. You must offer something more ..... Tours of wine, pottery, bird watching. Yes, the chosen research area and make it work for you. E) Are you flexible? Instead of the weekly permits - which is considered chambres d'hote, or weekends during the offseason? Prices? Existing low-cost airlines 150K house 1 million +. Before buying, market research and property. You need to know what the competition much in the area and that prices may rise. The Internet is an excellent source for the information you need - Regional French Tourist Board websites say what you want the area is similar and the attractions of the region. To study the competition visit the many places to rent. For example, 1-of-French-hire, more than 1,000 properties throughout France. You can see the most popular areas quickly discover the facilities offered and especially the prices they can charge all year. Often, each property will have a schedule and you can see the level and scope of the reservation booking season. This will give a clue to the potential of an entire house. Connect the data of your business plan - do not add up? Do not get excited a property if this is your entry into France. A realistic and if you like hard work, this lifestyle can be yours!