How to Choose the Right Property Manager for Your Holiday Home

Before comparing companies or individuals, define your own expectations:

• Do you need year-round management, or only rental-season support?
• Do you expect someone to handle everything locally, or do you prefer to stay involved?
• What level of reporting do you want (weekly, monthly, only when needed)?
• How much control do you want over decisions and expenses?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. A good match starts with knowing what type of support works for you.

Ask yourself:

• How well do you speak French?
• Can you arrange things independently from abroad?

Many local service providers (electrical, telecom or others) often contact only French numbers and may not return calls from foreign phone numbers. Even if your French is decent, managing things remotely can still be difficult.

A reliable property manager should be able to communicate fluently with guests, neighbours, suppliers, and local authorities, and handle issues efficiently without delays.

These three elements belong together. A good property manager is someone you trust with your home and who communicates clearly and consistently. Consider:

• Do they respond quickly, ideally the same day?
• Are they professional but also approachable?
• Do they follow up without you having to remind them?
• Do they give you the feeling that your home is genuinely in good hands?

The relationship must feel reliable. You’re handing over your keys, and your peace of mind.

“Property manager” can mean many different things, depending on the provider:

• Full year-round management
• Seasonal rental support (check-ins, check-outs, problem-solving)
• Maintenance coordination
• Cleaning coordination
• Supplier management
• Emergency handling

It’s important to understand:

• What is included in their fee
• What is charged separately
• How flexible they are
• Whether they offer the exact level of support you need

Choose a manager whose services align with your expectation; not one who simply offers a “standard package.”

Even if emergencies are rare, they do happen: leaks, electrical issues, guest lock-outs, malfunctioning air conditioning, broken appliances.

Key questions are:

• How quickly can the manager be on-site if something urgent happens?
• Do they have reliable local technicians they can call immediately?

Distance matters. A manager who lives or works close by can respond much faster than someone who covers a large region.

Good communication doesn’t stop after the check-in. Clear reporting helps you stay informed without micromanaging. 

Look for:

• Honest updates
• Clear explanations of issues
• Photos when relevant
• Transparent budgeting and estimates
• No hidden costs

You should always know what’s going on, even when you’re far away.

A property manager should have:

• Experience with homes similar to yours
• Knowledge of the local region (Sainte-Maxime, Grimaud, Les Issambres, etc.)
• References, reviews or recommendations
• A track record of reliability

Local experience matters more than general experience elsewhere.

Choosing a property manager is not about finding the cheapest option or the one with the longest list of services. It’s about finding someone who understands your needs, communicates clearly, responds quickly, knows the local market and gives you confidence that your home is looked after; whether you’re renting it out or simply want peace of mind. A good property manager saves you time, money and stress. The right match makes all the difference.