We are selling up in UK to start a gite business in France!

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Emma I
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Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 8:05 pm

We are selling up in UK to start a gite business in France!

Post by Emma I »

This has been something we have been thinking of on and off for a while now. With things happening lately to show us how short life is we have decided to stop putting it off.
This is all new to us though and we are at very early stages and would welcome any help/advice/support/knowledge.
Many thanks in advance
Emma and Rob
making the leap!
Ecosse
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Location: Saint Gervais les Bains, France
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Post by Ecosse »

Hi Emma and welcome to LMH!

The qustion you've asked is a bit difficult to answer, as it's dependant on a lot of things, but I hope this list of things to consider will help:

1) Will the gites be your only or main source of income? If so, you need to choose your location very carefully. We looked at some wonderful areas in the Alps, but they either had a summer season or a winter season and not both, meaning it would have been difficult to make a living. However, some areas with a long, hot and reliable summer may be profitable enough to support a viable business.
2) Do you speak French? Life is a lot easier if you do.
3) What life stage are you at? I know many people retire to France, but personally I wouldn't recommend it. The French won't welcome you with open arms and in some areas like Provence, they won't want to know you at all, whether you're a foreigner or even just a French outsider. However, having school age kids makes a huge difference... everyone wants to see the local school thrive.
4) Are you up for the paperwork challenge? The French LOVE their red tape, 18 copies of each document to be signed with 'lu et approuve' to be handed in to, 'No, not this office, don't you know that piece of paper only goes to the other office on the other side of town?' If you can learn to shrug this off, you'll be fine.
5) Will you be buying a place outright? 2 things to consider: if you're not, a business mortgage is based on the current chiffres d'affaires (turnover) of the place you're thinking of buying and you can only get about 5x that value, even if you can see that the current business is woefully underperforming. You will have to find the remainder of the money from your own funds. Secondly, if you are buying outright, be aware that, unlike in Britain, you cannot release any of the money tied up in your property until you sell. There is no remortgage function in France, so if you were to see another property you would like to add to your existing portfolio, you would either have to apply for a new mortgage, or, again, buy the property outright.
6) Be aware of the high taxes and healthcare costs - they are steep for businesses, many of which aren't linked to earnings.
7) Would you be bothered being tied ot a place near enough 24/7 during the peak season and do you like people? I say this because many choose this life thinking it'll be an easy one, but if you want to make a living, it can be very hard work... even when you're not a b&b style gite like us. There's the cleaning, renovations/repairs, garden, possible pool (if you're in a place that requires one to attract the bookings) dealing with enquiries, arrivals, departures, requests and (hopefully only occasional) complaints, and all the associated admin. But... if you genuinely like guests (even the grumpy ones) then it helps a lot.

These are some of the main things to consider before you take the leap. I have to add though, the list sounds like it would never be worthwhile running a gite complex but, of course, many of us on LMH have been doing that for several years. I think most of us (all?) are happy with our choice, too. For us, it's been a huge learning curve, and, with the amount the government takes, not anywhere near as profitable as we thought it would be, but we wouldn't change it for the world. Good luck with it and keep us posted!
pujols
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Post by pujols »

We arrived here in France 9 years ago having looked around for years. We liked most areas but loved this area because it has associations with wine, bastide towns,not far from the sea or too far from Spain. Plus we have 2 airports not too far away.
We had experience with the public as we had sold a London based restaurant which had a good audience and reputation. But we wanted a garden, fruit trees and to offer something special.
It was great to find a lovely home but also one which would appeal to a good market of clientel with funds to stay in a high end property.
For the last few years we have been very satisfied with our reservations and have everything in place with established agents. We do not use O D etc although we have in the past. Our agents are specialised...their marketing is dynamic.
Our clients are from all parts of the world.
We do offer assistants with all aspects of the clients stay to include vineyard visits which include a pic nic and a pattiserie
course in a nearby Town.
We need to sell because we need to get the idea of retireing into our heads....long overdue.
But we will not venture too far away when we sell.
We find that we are meeting new people and making more friends all the time.
Emma I
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Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 8:05 pm

Thank you

Post by Emma I »

Thank you for your replies, it is great to read peoples responses.

We are at the stage in our life where we have 3 daughters, 14, 9 & 3. We currently home educate the younger 2.
We would be wanting to buy outright.
I had heard about the paperwork side of things and also the cost of living i.e healthcare costs etc. This is something we need to look into even more.
We know it would be hard work but hoping it would be rewarding too and in a nicer environment. Is this your experience?
The one area we have looked at is Brittany but we don't know which areas would be good to look at regarding popular destinations. We know we are after a village area with land. Also looking at glamping type land too, how does this go down in France.
We don't really speak the language at the moment but willing to learn.
Emma and Rob
making the leap!
GillianF
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Location: Dordogne

Post by GillianF »

Such a big question and some useful advice above.

My only advice would be to definitely learn the language. Bring more money than you think you'll ever need and allow more time than you'll ever think it can take to do whatever you plan.

I would also say that whilst research is important don't over-think it. You can't possibly ask all the questions and, in some cases, if you knew everything you'd never do anything - including getting out of bed in the morning.

Lots of luck and let us know when you make the move!
farley
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Location: Poitou Charentes

Post by farley »

Hi Emma

My immediate thought is for the children.
We have experienced putting our son through French school ( equivalent of UK secondary school level). So can offer some personal 'pearls of wisdom'.
We found it essential to employ a private tutor to teach our child French as we couldn't assist him ( to a high enough standard) with this.
We also found that Maths is taught differently in France so , even though we were competent in the subject , we needed a private tutor for this subject as well.
On the plus side, English homework was a breeze:)


I'm sure other parents will have had different experiences so hopefully they'll offer their thoughts as well.

Best wishes with your enterprise, please return here frequently as you'll soon make lots of helpful friends.
GillianF
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Post by GillianF »

Me again! I wasn't going to get involved in the children/education side of your life but as it has been mentioned by farley perhaps our experience in that respect will be helpful.

Our two children were born here and have been through, and out the other side, of the whole education system from maternelle (aged 3) to further/University education at aged 22. We also have some experience of 'special education' because our daughter has a slight, physical handicap and has been in mainstream and 'special' education.

We have also had quite a lot of experience, one way and another, of helping arriving English families with school age children to get settled - and educated. We have also helped with an autistic and dyslexic English child who needed 'special education'. My thoughts below.

Your 3 year old will probably just suck up the French language and soon put the rest of you to shame but you should enrol him/her in the local school asap. The 9 year old will learn French less easily but probably more easily than the older child - and yourselves. At 9 he/she would be enrolled in to 'Primaire' and the local school may have some experience of integrating non-French speaking children. They will normally put a child in the year below their peers so that they have a year to concentrate on the language learning and not worry too much about the academic side.

The 14 year old will go to 'college' and they may put him/her a year below or in the correct year. Again, the school may have some experience of non-French speaking children. Our local 'college' tried to place newly-arrived, English students with an English child. Our son was asked/required, more than once, to take an English arrival in tow, sit next to them in class, explain things, show them around, help with translations etc. until they found their feet. The college may also be able to offer extra French lessons in 'free' periods or provide a tutor to help at home with homework, language learning etc. but this will very much depend on the college's resources, willingness and attitude. Some are better than others and whilst they will do their best you have to appreciate that they are, like English schools, struggling with funding and priorities.

Whatever you decide I would strongly recommend that you enrol them in school asap because that will help them learn the language, make friends and integrate them for a future, adult life in France.
Emma I
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Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 8:05 pm

Post by Emma I »

Thank you so much - all very useful and helpful information.

One day we are all for it then the next our doubts creep back in. I guess that's the same with any decision in life where you don't know the answers and wish you had a crystal ball!

I will keep you updated on progress.

Thank you again so much, so glad I was recommended this forum

xxxx
Emma and Rob
making the leap!
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CarolineH
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Location: Nr Dinan, Brittany, France

Post by CarolineH »

Just my two penneth .. Having moved here 15 years ago with 2yo and 4yo and husband (who has now left France). I love it but it is not without it's ups and downs as have been mentioned before.

My advice is don't over think it, or else you'll never do it. Will you regret giving it go, or will you regret not giving at go?
petitbois
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Post by petitbois »

we have been doing this now for 14yrs & looking to retire once we can find a purchaser. Would I do it again - yes I would, just wish I had realised quite how much hard work it is- we have B&B as well, so basically between April & October we work 24/7 - up early & to bed late - always on-call for guests, but we enjoy that as the rest of the year we can take life at our own pace & not have to get up to prepare breakfast, or sit up late awaiting the arrival of guests from elsewhere in Europe. The gite business is changing - more people want short stays, so the Sat-Sat changeover days are less frequent, but that helps us - cannot believe how hard we used to work on Saturdays 10 yrs ago - could not do it now. Something to bear in mind if you have children - you will be very busy the months of July & August, so not much time for family. If pool & other facilities are shared between yourselves & guests, just be aware that guests do not always want to associate with the owners - can be difficult, on the other hand your children will always have lots of other children to play with during the school holidays. Choose your area carefully - near a busy village is a good idea, not too remote or you will spend your life driving your children all over the place, as well as working on the business. Good luck - remember it is better to regret doing something, than regret not doing it. I have sent you a private message - did you receive it??
Emma I
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Post by Emma I »

I Have to say I love this site, you lot are amazing.

I will check private messages now xx
Emma and Rob
making the leap!
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French Cricket
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Post by French Cricket »

So much that could be said, but I'll just stick in two things.

1. Start learning the language NOW! Don't come without any - your life will be impossible, especially if you're starting a business. Don't expect that people will speak English. Mostly, they won't. And depending on when you come - post Brexit, as a new immigrant, it's possible that you'll need to pass a French language test in order to acquire legal residence. A lot depends on the outcome of negotiations over UK citizens' rights.

2. Think very carefully about your target market. In the current climate I think you need to make sure that it's an international market, including (obviously!) French guests. I say that for two reasons: firstly, the exchange rate is going to put off UK guests for some time, I think (plus they're going be poorer generally post Brexit); and secondly, the UK-only market is already pretty saturated in many areas.

Good luck!
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oasiscouple
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Post by oasiscouple »

Just to add a word to share our experience concerning older children. We came permanently to France when our younger daughter was 16 having attended an English girl's boarding school. We enrolled her in the local lycée where she certainly struggled and was "redoublé" (repeated the year) after one year in order to try and achieve her baccalauréat. At the end of her second year took a two month summer job at the newly opened Eurodisneyland, then didn't want to return to the lycée and took a full time job in the ticketting department of Disneyland. 25 years later, having worked in different departments, she is a senior recruiter in the recruiting department, married to a French man and with 3 children. Perhaps having a French boyfriend early on helped her French.
Honi soit qui peu y boit
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wallypott
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Post by wallypott »

We are selling our 5 bedroom house, 2 gîtes and apartment in Normandy. Great village school and excellent local schools 15kms away.

Been in the house 22 years only moving because recently married my second French husband and moving in with him. My kids were born here and it's been a very good experience all round.

PM me if you are interested.
KathyG
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Post by KathyG »

wallypott wrote:....only moving because recently married my second French husband and moving in with him.
Oooh are you?? You little devil! You kept that quiet! :D
Kathy
Waterfront location in Le Faou
"My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am."
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