Switch from Short-Term Rental to Long-Term Furnished Letting

In recent years, short-term tourist rentals, particularly through platforms such as Airbnb, have attracted many property owners thanks to appealing short-term income. However, with increasingly strict regulations, reduced tax benefits, intensive management, and fluctuating occupancy rates, many are now considering a change in strategy.

Switching from a short-term rental activity to a long-term furnished rental represents an attractive alternative to secure income and optimize property profitability while simplifying management. This guide details everything you need to know to successfully make this transition, understand its benefits, the steps involved, and key points to watch.

Short-term rental vs long-term furnished rental: what are the differences?

The principle of short-term rentals

Short-term tourist rentals involve letting a furnished property for a few nights or weeks, usually to travelers passing through. This model relies on high tenant turnover and depends heavily on tourist demand.

Advantages

• High nightly rates
• Strong demand in certain destinations

Disadvantages

• Irregular income depending on the season
• Frequent vacancy periods
• Strict regulations in many cities

In France, the average occupancy rate of a tourist rental is generally around 30% depending on the city and season (in cities where short-term rentals are regulated, it cannot exceed 33%, i.e. 120 days per year), meaning a property may remain unoccupied for several months each year.

How long-term furnished rentals work

Long-term furnished rentals are based on a furnished residential lease. The tenant moves in for several months (mobility lease from 1 to 10 months) or more permanently (primary residence lease for one year renewable, or 9 months for students).

Main characteristics

• Stable monthly rent
• Long-term tenant occupancy
• Simplified property management

For example, the occupancy rate of furnished properties managed by Lodgis is 95%, which secures rental income throughout the year.

Why switch from short-term rentals to traditional furnished rentals?

More stable income

Unlike short-term rentals, which depend on seasonality, long-term rentals guarantee a fixed monthly rent. This model reduces vacancy periods and gives owners better financial visibility.

Simpler property management

Managing a short-term rental takes time: listings, bookings, cleaning, guest check-ins, and logistical coordination.

By contrast, long-term furnished rentals mainly require occasional administrative management (lease, inventory, rent receipts), significantly reducing workload.

Real estate market studies estimate that managing a seasonal rental requires 15 to 30% more time than managing a traditional furnished rental.

Better control of expenses

In a property rented as a primary residence, regular expenses (energy, water, internet depending on contract) are generally paid by the tenant. In tourist rentals, these costs are often included in the price, reducing actual profitability for the owner.

A more secure investment strategy

• Less vacancy
• Regular income
• A stable legal framework

This strategy is particularly relevant for investors seeking consistent returns rather than variable income.

Steps to convert a short-term rental into a long-term rental

Check local regulations

• Local regulations
• Urban planning rules
• Condominium restrictions

Adapt the furnished property

• Complete bedding
• Cooking hobs
• Refrigerator
• Dishes
• Furniture

A well-equipped property increases rental demand and helps justify a higher rent.

Set up a compliant lease

• Lease duration
• Rent amount
• Charges
• Security deposit
• Inventory report

Taxation: LMNP status and tax regime

• Micro-BIC → 50% flat-rate deduction on rental income
• Real regime → deduction of expenses + depreciation of property and furniture

The real regime is often the most profitable because it significantly reduces taxation and optimizes net returns.

Find out which tax regime to choose to declare your rental income here.

Profitability: short-term vs long-term

• Vacancy periods
• Management costs
• Included expenses
• Time spent

A property occupied 95% of the time with fixed rent can generate a more stable and often higher annual income than irregular tourist activity.

How to set the right rent for a long-term furnished rental?

• Local market prices
• Rental demand
• Property amenities
• Location

Estimate your rent for free using our simulator: Furnished rent simulator

Tips for successfully transitioning your rental strategy

Target the right tenants

• Students
• Young professionals
• Expats
• Mobile employees

Entrust management to a professional

• Secure rental income
• Select tenants
• Manage contracts
• Carry out visits and inventories
• Optimize profitability

To successfully make this transition under the best conditions, it may be wise to rely on a specialist in furnished rentals. At Lodgis, we support property owners at every step: optimal rent valuation, reliable tenant search, regulatory compliance, and drafting suitable leases.

Advantages and limitations of long-term furnished rentals

Advantages

• Regular income
• Simplified management
• Attractive taxation
• Tenant stability

Limitations

• Rent sometimes lower than seasonal peaks
• Commitment over the lease duration

Conclusion

Switching from a short-term rental activity to renting a furnished property long term is a strategy increasingly adopted by property owners. It secures income, reduces management workload, and offers a more favorable tax framework.

When well prepared, this transition can maximize the profitability of your real estate investment while providing greater peace of mind in the long run.