Expert Advice - starting a gîte business in France

Q My partner and I would like to run a gîte business in France so we are looking to buy a property with outbuildings that we can convert ourselves. Is there anything we should be aware of when viewing properties?

from Mr N O’Hara


A There are several points that you should be aware of when searching for a property to make into a gîte complex. If the property you are buying has separate outbuildings – barns etc that perhaps were used for housing animals – you will need to obtain a certificat d’urbanisme which would give you the right to convert them into homes. If this hasn’t already been acquired then you can make your purchase subject to it being obtained.

However, if the outbuildings adjoin the house then this may not be necessary. Gîtes were originally found on farms where the farmer’s wife would rent out separate accommodation to earn a little pocket money. Since then some of the gîte complexes have become quite luxurious and you will need to ascertain what standard of accommodation is likely to be in demand in the area you are planning to settle in. It can be a very expensive proposition to convert outbuildings to suitable living accommodation and you need to look at the costings carefully before proceeding in order to be sure that you will not run out of money before completing the project. Bear in mind that if you want tenants all year round, you will have to put in some form of heating and perhaps a fireplace would make it even more welcoming.

If you are able to put in a swimming pool, it will definitely help with rentals, especially if you are in the southern half of France, though even in the north it would help and you could possibly have it covered for the winters.

Repeat business

It is important to remember that you won’t be receiving any income from the gîtes during the renovations and that, even when they are complete, you will have to spend some money to advertise and market them. So, if you are moving out to France permanently, you need to be able to support yourselves during this period as well as be in a position to buy all the materials you require. In some cases, it might be better to pay a little more for a property that already has converted gîtes, which perhaps just need a little updating, rather than a place where you need to start from scratch. Buying an upand- running complex also means that you may get some repeat business so that you immediately have some income which would allow you to perhaps improve the buildings. Being within reasonable distance of airports, TGV stations and good motorways is going to make it more likely that people will pick your property to rent. It is a good idea to check with the local tourist office if there is a demand for gîte accommodation in the area. Then you will be able to get an idea of what rentals you can achieve, for how many weeks a year and will be in a better position to calculate your possible income and expenditure. You will of course be able to advertise your properties in the UK through various magazines and websites.

Before you decide on which area to go for, it might be a good idea to have a look at what is on offer and what rentals they are achieving in each area so that you can make a more educated decision as to where to look.

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