Property Caretaking

You'll need a local property manager who provides comprehensive services: paying utilities and taxes, handling maintenance, conducting regular property checks, and serving as your legal representative. They should offer an online portal for document access and financial reporting, and provide 24/7 emergency response.

Your property manager serves as the emergency contact for tenants, building management, and authorities. They handle immediate issues like water leaks or heating failures, coordinate with insurance, supervise repairs, and keep you informed. Most communicate via WhatsApp or similar for urgent situations across time zones.

Property managers typically set up a French bank account with power of attorney to handle recurring payments (utilities, taxes, building charges). They maintain a minimum balance, pay bills automatically, and provide monthly statements. Some also handle tax declarations and insurance claims.

Your property manager attends annual condo meetings (assemblées générales), votes according to your instructions, and reports key decisions. They also track building projects, special assessments, and maintain relationships with the building manager (syndic) and other owners.

Full-service management for absentee owners typically costs €200-400 monthly for basic services. Additional charges apply for project management, tax services, or specialized maintenance.

We conduct monthly or bi-monthly inspections of vacant properties, checking for leaks, proper heating function, mail accumulation, and pest issues. We air out the apartment, run water to prevent pipe issues, and test appliances. More frequent checks during winter or renovation projects are recommended.

Yes, most full-service managers supervise renovations for absentee owners, including obtaining quotes, managing contractors, handling permits, and providing photo/video updates. We typically charge a percentage of the project costs for this service. We maintain strong relationships with a network of English-speaking architects, contractors and designers who can assist with every step of the way.

Essential documents include power of attorney (procuration), copies of deed and insurance policies, tax records, building documents (règlement de copropriété), utility account details, and maintenance records. Good managers provide secure digital storage of all documents.

Property managers typically handle utility contracts (electricity, gas, internet), insurance policies, and concierge services. They ensure continuous coverage, manage annual renewals, and can often negotiate better rates through their provider networks.

We collect mail monthly, scan important documents, forward critical items to your home address, and handle routine correspondence with French authorities. We offer mail digitization services and can assist with official French administrative procedures.