Renting out your French property while it’s on the market can be a strategic decision, especially for foreign owners navigating the complexities of the French property market. Selling your French property often takes time, and with market fluctuations and potential delays, many homeowners explore short- or long-term rental options to generate income and keep the property maintained. But is this dual approach the right move for your situation?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of renting out your French property while trying to sell, along with legal considerations, timing, and potential pitfalls to help you make an informed decision.
Table of contents
Pros of renting out your French property while selling
Generate income during the sale process
One of the most appealing advantages is the potential for rental income. This can help offset ongoing costs such as:
- Mortgage repayments
- Property taxes (Taxe foncière and Taxe d’habitation)
- Maintenance and utility bills
Example: If your holiday home in Provence rents for 1,200 € per month and takes 6 months to sell, that’s 7,200 € you might otherwise forgo.
Keep the property occupied
Vacant properties can become targets for burglary or fall into disrepair. Having tenants in place can help:
- Maintain the property
- Keep utilities in use (preventing mould or plumbing issues)
- Signal ongoing use to neighbours and authorities
Appeal to buy-to-let investors
Some buyers are specifically looking for investment properties. Having a reliable rental history or existing tenant in place can be attractive, particularly in tourist hotspots.
| Buyer Type | Rental Appeal |
|---|---|
| Primary Residence | May prefer vacant possession |
| Holiday Home Buyer | Might see rental income as a bonus |
| Buy-to-Let Investor | Often prefers tenanted property with records |
Tax efficiency
Rental income may help you offset capital gains tax liability, depending on your financial situation and local tax treaties. Always consult a tax advisor with cross-border experience.
Cons of renting out your French property while selling
Legal restrictions and tenant rights
France has strong tenant protection laws, especially for long-term leases. Once a tenant is in place:
- You may face restrictions on terminating the lease
- You often need to give 6 months’ notice before the lease ends (for unfurnished rentals)
- The tenant has the right of first refusal to buy the property
| Lease Type | Minimum Duration | Notice Period | Buyer Access Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished (Meublé) | 1 Year | 3 Months | More Flexible |
| Unfurnished (Non-Meublé) | 3 Years | 6 Months | More Restrictive |
| Seasonal/Holiday | Short-Term | Varies | Least Restrictive |
Reduced viewing flexibility
Tenants have the right to “peaceful enjoyment” of the property, which means:
- Viewings must be arranged in advance
- Limitations on number of visits per week
- Possible refusal of weekend or short-notice visits
This could delay the sale or put off prospective buyers who want immediate access.
Potential wear and tear
Even respectful tenants cause wear and tear over time. From scuffed walls to broken fixtures, a rented property may not present as well as a vacant, staged one.
First impressions matter, especially if selling your house in France to foreign buyers who often make quick decisions during property tours.
Mixed buyer signals
Buyers may worry that a rented property will come with complications:
- Legal obligations to existing tenants
- Delayed possession
- Complexity of transferring leases
This may discourage traditional homebuyers seeking immediate occupancy.
Best practices if you decide to rent and sell
If you choose to rent while your French home is on the market, here are some tips to mitigate the risks:
Use short-term or holiday lets
Short-term rentals (less than 90 days) or seasonal holiday lets provide more flexibility:
- Avoid long-term lease restrictions
- Easier scheduling for viewings
- Popular in tourist areas
Include sale clause in lease agreement
If using a medium- to long-term lease, have your French notaire or legal advisor include a “clause de vente” to allow access for viewings and clarify tenant obligations in case of sale.
Work With a Bilingual Estate Agent
A bilingual estate agent familiar with the French property market can help coordinate viewings, manage tenants, and communicate clearly with foreign buyers.
Maintain High Presentation Standards
Ensure your tenants understand the need to:
- Keep the home tidy for viewings
- Allow access at agreed times
- Support the sale process
Incentives (such as reduced rent) can help encourage cooperation.
When renting while selling might be right for you
This dual strategy makes most sense if:
- Your property is in a high-demand tourist area
- You can legally use short-term lets
- You’re not in a hurry to sell
- Your buyer pool includes investors
However, if your goal is a fast sale to a primary residence buyer, or if your lease terms are rigid, renting may complicate matters more than it helps.
FAQs: Renting While Selling your House in France
Can I rent my property while it's listed for sale?
Yes, but you must consider lease type, tenant rights, and how it impacts the sale process.
Do tenants have to leave when I sell the property?
Not automatically. For long-term leases, you must give proper notice and offer them the chance to buy first.
Is short-term rental allowed everywhere in France?
Some cities (like Paris) have restrictions. Always check with your local mairie.
What happens if the buyer wants vacant possession?
If you have tenants, you may need to wait until the lease expires or negotiate early termination. Buyers often prefer properties without tenancy obligations.
Can renting affect the selling price?
Yes, both positively and negatively. Investors might pay more for tenanted properties, while residential buyers may offer less if immediate occupancy isn’t possible.
Final notes
Renting out your French property while trying to sell can be a smart move, but only if approached strategically. Evaluate the type of lease, your ideal buyer, and how rental income balances against the potential for a slower sale.
Before making a decision, consult:
- A bilingual notaire or legal expert
- A real estate agent with local experience
- A tax adviser familiar with French and international property rules
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