Real Estate: Why invest by the sea on the Atlantic Coast?

The French Atlantic coast—including Brittany, Pays de la Loire, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine—offers numerous real estate investment opportunities, but it remains to be seen whether these advantages are the same for a primary residence, a secondary residence, or a rental property. In other words, should you buy property on the Atlantic coast to live in or to rent out?

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This question can only be answered definitively if you know, for example, the cost of a seaside real estate investment. However, regardless of the price of the property, whether new or old, it is always possible to maximize your investment if you know how to go about it and, above all, where to buy on the Atlantic coast. Today, your Airbnb concierge service, Welkeys, offers to answer your questions about the benefits of investing in a seaside property on the Atlantic coast.

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Why invest in real estate on the Atlantic coast?

From Le Conquet to Hendaye, the French Atlantic coastline offers a rich and diverse maritime landscape. Its mild, humid winters and moderate summers, along with its fine sandy beaches, exceptionally beautiful dunes, and numerous seaside resorts, make it a prime tourist destination as well as a great place to live.

In fact, in a report released by the regional council of the Rennes Court of Appeal, it was noted that since 2015, the real estate market on the Atlantic coast has been thriving. Agnès Lanoë, president of the council, even observed an increase of 2,600 secondary residences per year since 2010. As a result, apartments, fisherman's cottages, seaside villas, and other properties are increasingly sought after. In short, the market remains attractive, despite the sometimes higher cost of seaside real estate.

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Buying by the sea: to live in or to rent out?

To evaluate the benefits of buying property on the Atlantic coast, it is first important to know your purpose. Are you looking to acquire a primary or secondary residence by the sea? Or do you want to invest on the coast to then rent out your property?

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Investing in a primary residence on the Atlantic coast

If you decide to buy a house or an apartment by the sea to live in, you should be aware that a primary residence on the coast can be expensive. However, it all depends on where you want to settle. Some towns are more touristy than others or offer more services and shops. You will need to take this into account when investing.

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Investing in a secondary residence on the Atlantic coast

Deciding to treat yourself to a vacation home on the Atlantic coast can require a significant investment. If you don't take out a mortgage, you will need to use your savings to acquire a property on the coast. You must also consider maintenance costs. Often, the solution for those with average means is to buy a vacation home that can be rented out seasonally while you are away.

Investing in rental real estate on the Atlantic coast

A rental investment on the Atlantic coast offers a dual advantage: tax benefits on one hand, and supplemental income on the other. It all depends on whether it is a year-round rental or a seasonal rental.

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If you buy to rent year-round, be aware that the Pinel law allows for this and it will be a way for you to benefit from regular income for 9 years. Depending on the cost price of the property, you will receive an 18% tax reduction. However, this type of rental on the coast is quite rare.

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If you wish to buy property on the Atlantic coast for seasonal rentals, you have the choice between private rentals and managed accommodation. In the first case, your property, which is your secondary residence, can be rented out during the holidays, particularly during the summer season, taking advantage of the influx of tourists. In the case of managed accommodation, the Censi-Bouvard non-professional furnished lessor (LMNP) scheme allows you to purchase a unit in a serviced residence.

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Given the demand for senior residences on the coast, you can benefit from an 11% tax reduction and additional income for 9 years. But you can also invest in seaside tourist residences.

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How can you make the most of your seaside real estate investment?

To optimize your real estate investment on the Atlantic coast, you can opt for a secondary residence and take advantage of the holidays to put your property up for seasonal rental. During this period (spring/summer), it is better to only accept short-term rentals. Whether in the Poitou-Charentes region, Brittany, or Languedoc-Roussillon, the real estate market is attractive and presents great opportunities to maximize your investment during the high season. T2 and T3 apartments are among the most sought-after properties, although there is still demand for houses. The investment here is higher. By buying a T2 rather than a studio with a sea view, it is easier to make your investment profitable.

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Finally, if your question is about where to acquire property on the Atlantic coast, know that opportunities are everywhere. It all depends on your budget and how you intend to use it.

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How do you manage your seasonal rental remotely?

If you are considering short-term rentals for your investment, you are likely wondering how to manage a property when you are not nearby. You actually have several options.

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First, you can use the services of an Airbnb concierge like Welkeys, which will handle the entire rental process for you. There are also systems such as BNB ACCESS, which allow you to automate your tenants' check-ins and check-outs. This solution is based on a smart lock compatible with all intercom handsets. It allows you to provide remote access to your rental property via the BNB ACCESS app. As a result, guests can enter the property independently.

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Investing in new construction or older properties?

Whether for a primary residence or a rental investment, investing in new construction on the Atlantic Coast is an excellent way to ensure easier resale, as this type of housing is in high demand. The supply of new real estate along the coast is quite extensive. However, purchasing a house to renovate by the sea is just as effective for building your real estate portfolio at a sometimes more reasonable price. On the coast, buyers of new properties are often more demanding and seek prime locations, which can quickly drive up prices.

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Investing by the sea: an expensive pleasure?

Before purchasing real estate on the Atlantic Coast, you should know that prices sometimes tend to soar, unlike those on the French Riviera. In one year, real estate prices there have increased by 6%, and by 11.8% over two years (according to MeilleursAgents). From Porte-en-Ré to the Brittany coast, passing through Lège-Cap-Ferret and Arcachon, this price increase is evident, even if it varies by location. The Languedoc region, for example, is seeing an annual price increase of 1.3%. However, those wishing to buy a house near the beach but without significant means can still do so in Brittany, particularly in Plogoff or Cléden-Cap Sizun. But, naturally, the closer you want to be to the beach, the more expensive the property will be.

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See also the article Discover luxury and serenity: a high-end vacation rental by the sea

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