Seasonal rentals: how to transform your property into an income-generating machine?

The vacation rental market has seen explosive growth over the past decade, driven by the rise of platforms like Airbnb, Abritel, and Booking.com. Every year, thousands of homeowners choose to rent out their properties for short-term stays, attracted by incomes often far exceeding those of traditional long-term rentals. But behind this opportunity lies a real profession, with its own strategies, rules, and pitfalls. So, how do you make your property a success in the vacation rental market? What are the advantages, obligations, and best practices for maximizing your earnings? A complete analysis follows.

Why get into seasonal rentals?

✅ Higher income

The first advantage, and undoubtedly the most attractive, is the potential for profitability. By renting by the night or week, a landlord can double or triple their income compared to a long-term rental.

A concrete example: An apartment rented for €800 per month on a standard lease can easily generate €1,800 to €2,500 per month on a short-term lease, depending on the location, occupancy rate, and the quality of the property. Of course, this requires management, but the return on investment is often well worth the effort.

✅ Great flexibility

Unlike a traditional lease, seasonal rentals allow the owner to :

• Reclaim their property whenever they wish

• Reserve dates for their personal use

• Adjust their rates according to the season (dynamic pricing)

This flexibility is ideal for those who want to enjoy their second home while generating income from it.

✅ A very dynamic market

Local tourism, business trips, remote work... demand is evolving and remains strong. Even outside the peak season, more and more travelers are looking for comfortable, connected, and flexible accommodations.

Constraints and rules to know

Seasonal rentals are not a free-for-all. Several rules apply depending on the city and the type of property.

⚠️ Mandatory declaration

In most municipalities, all short-term furnished rentals must be registered with the town hall. Some towns even assign a registration number that must be included in advertisements.

⚠️ Strict regulations in certain areas

In major tourist cities (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, etc.), regulations are stricter :

• Limited to 120 days per year for a primary residence

• Prior authorization required for a secondary residence

• Possible requirements for changing the property's use or providing compensation (depending on the municipality)

Checking in advance avoids costly fines.

⚠️ Taxation

Rental income is subject to tax. Seasonal rentals fall under the LMNP (Non-Professional Furnished Rental) regime, with two options :

• Micro-BIC : a flat-rate allowance of 50% (or 71% if the accommodation is classified as tourist accommodation)

• Actual regime : deduction of expenses, depreciation, etc., often more advantageous

Keys to success in vacation rentals

Réussir sa location courte durée n’est pas une question de chance, mais de stratégie. Voici les leviers essentiels pour attirer des voyageurs et optimiser vos revenus.

⭐ 1. Improving the customer experience

Today, travelers aren't just looking for a place to stay: they want an experience. Pleasant, tastefully decorated, well-equipped accommodations designed for comfort make all the difference.

Essential features :

• Comfortable bed and quality linens

• High-performance Wi-Fi

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Workspace (remote work is booming)

• Local welcome guide (restaurants, activities, directions)

A well-maintained property attracts more bookings, higher ratings, and therefore higher rates.

⭐ 2. Professional photos

Photos are your showcase. A poor-quality image can cause you to lose dozens of bookings. Investing in a photographer or using a recent smartphone with good staging makes all the difference.

Tip: prioritize natural light, tidy the space, and add decorative elements (a throw, plants, a welcome basket, etc.).

⭐ 3. Smart pricing

Dynamic pricing is key. Rates should vary according to :

• The season

• Local events

• Current demand

• Occupancy rate

Tools like Pricelabs, Beyond Pricing, or Airbnb Smart Pricing can help you with this..

⭐ 4. Responsive communication

On these platforms, the speed and quality of responses influence the algorithm and customer satisfaction.

Best practices :

• Respond in less than 1 hour

• Personalized automated message after booking

• Clear arrival and departure instructions

⭐ 5. Impeccable management

Impeccable cleanliness, reliable maintenance, and a smooth check-in: these elements determine your final rating. You can manage it yourself or delegate it to an Airbnb concierge.

Should you manage it yourself or delegate it?

Option	Benefits	Disadvantages
Personal management	More profitable, total control	Important time, organization required
Concierge	Time saving, turnkey management	Commission 15% to 30%, reduced profitability
À la carte services (cleaning, check-in, communication)	Flexible, good compromise	Cost depending on services