Furnished Lettings in Bordeaux

Why choose furnished lettings?

In France, rental investment falls into two categories, unfurnished (location nue) and furnished (location meublee), each governed by a distinct tax regime. For landlords in Bordeaux and other major French cities, furnished lettings typically command rents 10 to 20 per cent higher than equivalent unfurnished properties. The tax advantages are equally compelling. Under the ALUR law of 24 March 2014, landlords operating under the LMNP (Loueur Meuble Non Professionnel) status benefit from a 50 per cent tax deduction on rental income. Where income exceeds a certain threshold, the professional status of LMP (Loueur Meuble Professionnel) brings its own set of advantages.

Furnished lets also respond to strong tenant demand, particularly in the luxury segment. In Bordeaux, families relocating for professional assignments of two or three years favour fully furnished properties that allow them to settle in without delay. Smaller units attract students at the city's universities and grandes ecoles who value comfort and convenience. The legal framework adds further flexibility, with minimum lease terms of one year for furnished lets compared with three years for unfurnished, and a tenant notice period of just one month rather than three. Landlords retain a three-month notice period but benefit from a security deposit capped at two months' rent.

Mandatory equipment for a furnished let

French law defines precisely what a property must contain to qualify as a furnished letting. For any lease signed after August 2015, the following items are required.

• Bedding with duvets or blankets.
• Curtains or shutters in every bedroom for privacy and light blocking.
• Cooking hobs or hotplates.
• A conventional oven or microwave.
• A refrigerator with a freezer or freezer compartment.
• Sufficient crockery, cutlery and kitchen utensils for the number of occupants.
• A table and seating.
• Storage shelving.
• Lighting in every room.
• Cleaning equipment appropriate to the floor surfaces.

If any of these items is missing, a court may reclassify the lease as an unfurnished tenancy, with significant implications for both the tax regime and the applicable notice periods. These requirements apply to all residential furnished lets regardless of lease type. Short-term holiday lets (meubles de tourisme) are not subject to the same mandatory list, although the equipment provided may determine the property's star rating if the owner applies for one.

Tips for maximising rental appeal

Beyond meeting the legal minimum, the quality of furnishing and decoration is a powerful lever for attracting tenants and justifying a premium rent. A well-appointed apartment with modern furniture and fittings can command up to 20 per cent more than an equivalent property with basic equipment. Decluttering to emphasise space, choosing warm but pared-back decoration, maximising natural light through pale colours and well-placed mirrors, and adding a few connected features such as electric shutters or smart lighting all contribute to a property's appeal.

Generous storage is consistently valued by tenants, as are quality soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and curtains that create a sense of warmth. Adapting the fit-out to the target market makes a measurable difference. Students respond to well-lit workspaces and practical kitchenettes, families to ample storage and child-safe finishes, and luxury tenants to high-end furniture and designer details.

Furnished lettings in the Bordeaux market

Bordeaux's appeal, its position in south-west France and its proximity to the Atlantic coast, means furnished lettings can generate returns through several channels. A standard residential lease runs for a minimum of one year, while a bail de mobilite (mobility lease) offers terms of one to ten months for tenants on temporary professional assignments. Short-term tourist lets, capped at 90 days for a single tenant, provide a further option for owners of well-located properties.

Furnished letting is one of the most effective ways to generate income from a Bordeaux property, and the city's most desirable neighbourhoods offer a steady stream of demand from relocating professionals and international tenants. Whether the property is a period apartment in the city centre or a family house with a garden, a full selection is available across the Bordeaux neighbourhoods, including luxury rentals in Bordeaux.

The lettings team at BARNES Bordeaux manages furnished properties across the city, from sourcing tenants to day-to-day administration. The consultants can advise on the right fit-out, rental strategy and expected yields, from the initial property valuation to the final signature. The team is available via the contact page.

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