French Gites: Relaxed Living Or Business?

Are you hankering after a lifestyle change? Need an income but want to enjoy the French countryside – then this opportunity may be what you are looking for! For more information: Gites in France

Many are attracted to buying a Gite complex by the lifestyle associated with owning a gite.Sunny days in the French sun drinking a glass wine or two sitting around a swimming pool – that will do me fine! After years of 9 to 5 in the office and hours spent on the daily commute it appears to be an attractive option.Without doubt Gite complexes often look beautifu from afar but you must be realistic about buying into this market.

Firstly, it is a very competitive market and secondly like any business it is hard work (especially in the early years). Of course, there are many successful gite businesses, and you can buy into this market!

Gite Business
Remember this is a business and your approach must be professional and commercial. You need a business plan and it must be realistic. If you are purchasing into an existing gite business check the accounts thoroughly – what are the trends over the last few years? Check turnover and profits especially. |This is a notorious “cash in hand” trade and although the owner may imply the profits are better than declared in the accounts – buyer beware! Are staff costs included or have the present owners done all the work or used un-paid family members? Is there a lot of repeat trade? What are bookings like for the forthcoming year? What capital will be needed to be injected for renovations and maintenance? You can find details of properties: Gites for Sale

In France, the “gite season” is typically July and August – a 10 week season! Outside this period you will have to market well – probably to foreign markets – to fill your rooms! Often a more expensive gite complex will have 4 or more rentable units so that they can maximise their earnings in the “gite season”.

Some factors – and this is by no means complete – to consider in this competitive market:
a) What is your USP? Pool and chic gites are no longer enough. You need to offer something extra…..wine tours, pottery, bird-watching. Yes, research your chosen area and make it work for you.
b) Are you flexible? Instead of weekly lets – would you consider chambres d’hote, or weekend breaks in the low season?

Prices of Properties with Gites
Prices? Existing gite businesses cost from 150K euros to 1 million + euros. Before you buy research the market and property. You need to find out how much competition is in the area and what prices you can charge. The internet is an excellent source for the information you need – the regional French Tourist board web sites will tell what you what the area is like and the attractions in the region. Don’t be emotional about a property if this is going to be your income in France.

So be realistic and if you enjoy hard work, this can be your new life in France.

Access vital information in the sphere of vacation home – study the publication. The time has come when proper information is really only one click away, use this chance.