Obviously there are some places in France that are more popular than others - the Cote d'Azur for instance, where there are many leaseback developments - some are good and some are bad.

In such places, there is more demand for holiday accomodation throughout the whole of the year. The more people staying in the property, the more the wear and tear, not only on the furnishings, but throughout the whole complex.

When you have lived in popuar holiday areas, you realise how badly some people behave. By owning a leaseback you do not know who will staying in your property, or how they will treat it.

On the other hand, if you were to invest and buy privately to rent out for holiday lets, you could be a bit more selective about your holiday tenants. You could probably increase your rental charges substantially, but of course you would have the responsibility of ensuring that someone was servicing and managing the property ready for new holiday arrivals, and to make the most out of the property throughout the whole year you would need to advertise.

Alternatively, buying to let on long term tenancies, gives you a regular steady rental income throughout the year. The tenant(s) would obviously be working locally, needing a home, and (hopefully) looking after your property as if it was theirs. Saying that, a good relationship between a landlord and tenant is extremely important.

Just one final point .... After living in a few rented places over 6 years,mainly in CDA, long term rental accomodation is hard to find. There are always people looking for long term lets. Find a suitable property in a convenient location and you should never be without tenants. Plus you'll have the benefit of an investment with increasing value.

Carole Bayliss
mortgagefrance