In recent years, short-term tourist rentals, particularly through platforms like Airbnb, have attracted many property owners thanks to their appealing short-term returns. However, with increasingly strict regulations, reduced tax benefits, intensive management requirements, and fluctuating occupancy rates, many landlords are now reconsidering their strategy.
Switching from short-term rentals to long-term furnished rentals is an attractive alternative to secure income and optimize the profitability of your property while simplifying its management. This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully make this transition, understand its benefits, the steps involved, and the key points to watch out for.
Short-term tourist rentals consist of renting out a fully equipped property for a few nights or weeks, generally to temporary visitors. This model relies on a high turnover of tenants and depends heavily on tourist demand.
Advantages
Disadvantages
In France, the average occupancy rate for short-term rentals is around 30%, depending on the city and the season. In cities where short-term rentals are regulated, this cannot exceed 33%, or 120 days per year, meaning a property may remain unoccupied for several months annually.
Long-term furnished rentals are based on a furnished rental lease. The tenant occupies the property for several months, either under a mobility lease (1 to 10 months) or more permanently with a primary residence lease (one year renewable, or 9 months for students).
Main features
For example, the occupancy rate of furnished properties managed by Lodgis is 95%, which helps secure rental income throughout the year.
Unlike short-term rentals, which depend on seasonal demand, long-term rentals provide consistent monthly income. This model reduces vacancy periods and gives property owners better financial visibility.
Managing a short-term rental requires time: listings, bookings, cleaning, welcoming guests, and coordinating logistics.
In contrast, long-term furnished rentals mainly involve occasional administrative tasks such as drafting leases, conducting inventory checks, and issuing rent receipts, significantly reducing workload.
Studies in the real estate market estimate that managing a short-term rental requires 15% to 30% more time than a traditional furnished rental.
In a primary residence rental, ongoing expenses such as utilities, water, and internet (depending on the lease terms) are generally paid by the tenant. In short-term rentals, these costs are often included in the rent, reducing the property owner's actual profitability.
Long-term furnished rentals are part of a more stable wealth-building strategy:
This strategy is particularly relevant for investors seeking consistent returns rather than variable income.
Some cities require authorization for short-term rentals, such as a change of use, quotas, or a declaration at the town hall. Switching to long-term rentals often simplifies these obligations, but it remains essential to check:
A furnished property intended for long-term rental must comply with the legal list of required equipment:
A well-equipped property increases rental demand and justifies a higher rent.
The furnished rental contract must be tailored to the tenant’s situation (mobility lease or primary residence) and comply with legal requirements, including:
A well-structured lease helps secure the legal relationship between landlord and tenant.
Most landlords renting furnished properties fall under the LMNP (Non-Professional Furnished Rental) status, a particularly advantageous tax regime for long-term rentals.
Two tax options are available:
Micro-BIC
→ 50% flat-rate allowance on rental income
Real regime
→ Deduction of expenses + depreciation of the property and furniture
The real regime is often more profitable, as it significantly reduces taxation and optimizes net returns.
Find out which tax regime to choose for declaring your rental income here.
A short-term rental may seem more profitable at first glance due to higher nightly rates. However, once you factor in:
The actual annual profitability may be lower than that of a long-term furnished rental.
A property occupied 95% of the time with a fixed rent can generate more stable and often higher annual income than an irregular tourist rental activity.
To determine the right rent, you need to analyze:
A well-located, modern, and functional property will rent quickly and minimize vacancy.
Long-term furnished rentals typically attract:
Adapting your offer to these profiles helps rent your property faster.
A property manager can:
Delegating management often improves performance while saving time.
To ensure a smooth transition, it can be helpful to rely on a specialist in the furnished rental market. At Lodgis, we support property owners at every stage: rent estimation, tenant sourcing, regulatory compliance, lease drafting, and rental optimization.
Discover our dedicated support for transitioning from short-term rentals to long-term furnished rentals.
Advantages
Limitations
Switching from short-term rentals to long-term furnished rentals is an increasingly popular strategy among property owners. It helps secure income, reduce management workload, and benefit from a more favorable tax framework.
When properly planned, this transition can maximize the profitability of your real estate investment while providing greater long-term peace of mind. By staying informed and seeking the right support, you give yourself the best chances of success.
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