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Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best Practices For Luxury Villa Managers On The French Riviera
Johan Hajji, Cofounder & Co-CEO at The BnB Group. Passionate about property management, real estate investment, proptech & business growth. For luxury villa managers operating in the Côte d'Azur, or French Riviera, providing a top-tier experience matters more than ever. That's because for property owners, buying a luxury property in the French Riviera isn't just a real estate move; it's a lifestyle decision. Owners expect ease, comfort and a flawless experience. Many also view these properties as long-term investments and family assets. Well-located villas can bring in significant annual yields from seasonal rentals, and managing these properties well is critical to preserving their value. As a co-founder of two companies specializing in Airbnb property management, I've spent years seeing firsthand how global demand continually boosts the luxury property market on the Côte d'Azur. Through working closely with hundreds of property owners from Paris to Geneva, I've also learned what attracts international buyers and keeps this region thriving—and what villa managers and property management firms need to keep in mind to position themselves for success. Understanding The Market: What's Driving Demand From Nice to Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera is home to one of the most consistently in-demand luxury real estate markets anywhere in the world. Bloomberg reported that prices of properties valued over 15 million euros along the French Riviera grew 15% to 20% between 2018 and 2023, outperforming property price gains in London. "The increase has been driven by a resurgence in international buyers after the pandemic, especially those from the US and Middle East seeking second homes from where they can work," Bloomberg also said. In my experience, some of the most-wanted properties are luxury villas with sea views, privacy or a bit of Riviera history, often in places like Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Ultra-luxury estates are typically valued anywhere between 18 million and 30 million euros, according to Beauchamp Estates, a luxury real estate agency with offices in the French Riviera. Best Practices For Managers A villa manager's job isn't just to keep things running smoothly. They also help with regulations, permits, rental laws and bookings, all while maximizing occupancy and rental income. What this means for villa managers is that luxury management is not just about upkeep anymore. It's about delivering five-star service in a private home setting. Privacy must be a priority. Many owners are celebrities, CEOs or public figures. They need staff and service teams who understand discretion. Everything has to look and feel perfect. Villas must be spotless. Pools need to sparkle. Gardens should look like they're straight out of a design magazine. Interiors may range from classic provençal to sleek modern minimalism—but everything needs to be kept at a luxury level. Service should be personal. Great villa managers take care of more than just the property. They book yachts, arrange private chefs, plan events and coordinate with wellness teams. It's about making sure the owner or guest never has to think about logistics. Smart, Sustainable And Ready To Rent In 2025, I'm finding that many people are seeking properties that are eco-conscious and tech-friendly. That's changing what management companies need to offer. Features like solar panels, rainwater systems and energy-efficient upgrades are no longer rare; they're often expected. Many owners and renters of these properties want to know the property is not only beautiful but also responsible. Smart technology is just as important. Villas need systems that allow remote control of lighting, security, heating and pool systems. People who invest in these properties often expect to monitor and manage them from wherever they are in the world. Key Challenges And Where The Opportunities Lie Buyers are more selective than ever. Today's clients don't just want space and a view. They want design, amenities, privacy and a smooth experience tailored to their lifestyle. A smart manager knows how to deliver that by working with top local vendors, keeping standards high and anticipating what the client wants next. New properties are hard to find. In 2024, new residential construction and building permits along the Riviera reached their lowest. That's made well-maintained older villas more valuable. Managers who can modernize properties without losing their charm can help property owners turn them into profitable rentals. Insurance costs could go up. Experts have warned that insurance costs could increase in France due to climate change risks. Savvy managers can help control costs by locking in smart service contracts, doing preventive maintenance and upgrading homes to be more efficient. What The Best Firms Do Well In my view, the firms setting the bar are those that don't just show up after the sale; they're involved from the beginning. They help investors choose the right property, figure out renovation potential and make sure everything is in line with local laws. Once the deal is done, managers handle everything: finding and training staff, setting up utilities, handling bookings, styling interiors and managing events. They also know how to add luxury touches without turning the property into a hotel. Think private yoga retreats, wine tastings, spa services and seasonal art collections—personalized, quiet luxury. The most effective firms and managers also have local knowledge. They know the plumbers, landscapers, security firms, city officials and event planners. That kind of access saves time, cuts costs and solves problems fast. Looking Ahead As we head through the year, I believe the outlook for luxury villa management looks strong. Financing is becoming more affordable, and the rental market is still hot, thanks to steady tourism and demand from long-stay travelers and international families. What this means for luxury villa managers is simple: Providing top-tier, professional management is key. In 2025, the stakes are higher, but so is the reward. Managing a luxury villa in the south of France used to mean checking the mail and calling the gardener. That's not the case anymore. Today, it's about creating a fully serviced lifestyle, protecting a valuable asset and making sure everything runs like a world-class business. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Short-Term Rentals In Switzerland: Tips For Profitability In 2025
Johan Hajji, Cofounder & Co-CEO at The BnB Group. Passionate about property management, real estate investment, proptech & business growth The Swiss property market shows an impressive upward trend, with rental prices in urban areas jumping as high as 7.5% in cities like Glarus and 6.3% in Zurich. Moreover, the Swiss National Bank's interest rate cut has created ideal conditions for short-term rental investment. Vacancy rates were expected to drop below 1% last year, while net immigration hit 98,900 in 2023, according to UBS Asset Management. These factors added pressure to the real estate market. Meanwhile, tourist hotspots like Valais are booming, with a 43% increase in U.S. visitors from January to October 2023 compared to 2019. With strong 2025 forecasts, well-placed investments in Swiss cities and vacation destinations could yield positive returns. My company works with owners located in Switzerland, so I want to explore what I've found are some of the top regions, income-boosting strategies and key rental laws short-term rental owners need to consider to keep investments compliant and sustainable. Regional variations in Switzerland's rental market create unique investment opportunities throughout the country. Real estate investors need to understand these differences to maximize their returns in the Swiss property market. Zurich, Switzerland's financial hub, boasts impressive short-term rental numbers: At the time of this writing, the average Airbnb occupancy rate is 75%, average daily rate is 145 euros and average monthly revenue is 40,564 euros, according to Airbtics. The city's vacancy rate is just 0.07%, SWI reported, which means demand keeps outpacing supply. In my company's experience, the city stays relatively open to short-term rentals, and the temporary housing and rental market in the Zurich market remains competitive. Geneva shows strong potential for short-term rentals, with 73% occupancy rates, daily rates of 127 euros and possible monthly revenue of 34,562 euros, per Airbtics. The housing crunch here is real—vacancy rates sat at just 0.46% in 2024. It's also worth noting that the city has a short-term rental limit of 90 days. Valais turns out to be a surprise leader in profitability. Airbtics' data shows that its occupancy rate is lower at 59%, but it pulls in higher daily rates (186 euros) and monthly revenue (41,517 euros). The canton sweetens the deal with tax perks, including options for lump-sum taxation, which may make it an attractive option for those concerned about Swiss property taxes. Looking beyond these major markets reveals several hidden gems for vacation rentals in Switzerland: • Lugano is an Italian-speaking part of Switzerland that I've noticed is popular among remote workers. • Alpine destinations like St. Moritz, Zermatt and Davos in the Swiss Alps have better odds of bringing in exceptional rental yields during peak seasons. • Crans-Montana often stays busy year-round thanks to events such as golf tournaments, skiing events and cultural festivals. Switzerland's real estate market has shown stability, drawing both local and international clients. Smart investors should look carefully at local rules, however, since they vary between cantons and can affect how well investments perform. Becoming skilled at pricing strategy remains crucial to running profitable short-term rentals in today's Swiss real estate market. Property owners can consider using dynamic pricing tools that automatically analyze market data and adjust rates based on immediate conditions. Price optimization can help you increase rates when demand peaks and lower them in slower seasons to minimize vacancies and boost revenue. Setting minimum stay requirements during peak seasons can also prevent revenue loss from short bookings. A two or three-night minimum for weekends and holidays can reduce turnover costs and increase overall income. Additionally, stay up to date on seasonal patterns revealed through occupancy analytics to help you run targeted promotions during slower periods. For example, alpine destination properties command premium rates during winter months but need compelling promotions during shoulder seasons. Strive for exceptional guest experiences to leverage premium pricing and ensure future bookings. Properties that maintain high ratings can charge more than similar accommodations with average reviews. This year, I expect to see a growing use of data analytics in rental operations. Immediate tracking of key metrics like occupancy rates and nightly revenue can help you spot trends and measure against competitors. I believe evidence-based management will shape the future of Swiss real estate market conditions. Swiss real estate investors face growing challenges with short-term rental regulations, particularly a widespread lack of compliance. Rules vary by region, making local knowledge essential for success. Requirements will vary by area, so be sure to consider regulatory differences. Many municipalities apply zoning laws to control rental activity, requiring specific residential ratios or area restrictions. In Ticino, owners can rent converted barns for up to 90 days without planning permission, even in protected areas, according to SWI. But this practice is under scrutiny and may trigger complaints, SWI also noted. Sustainability is now central to Swiss property trends. The national "Swisstainable" strategy encourages longer, eco-conscious stays and support for local culture and products. Property owners must follow environmental rules regarding waste, emissions and pollution. Property owners who break these standards risk steep fines for serious environmental violations. Meeting Minergie standards and gaining certification can boost energy efficiency and appeal, especially near public transport. As regulations tighten, staying compliant and building strong ties with local authorities will be key to long-term profitability. In my view, the Swiss short-term rental market shows strong investment potential through 2025, highlighting how important location is for renting apartments or investing in furnished properties. To help improve returns, investors can use dynamic pricing and set minimum stays during peak periods to reduce turnover costs. Combine this with excellent guest service for long-term success. Regulations differ by region, and stricter rules may emerge. Staying compliant and following sustainability standards like "Swisstainable" helps protect your investment in vacation or temporary housing. Swiss real estate remains a stable option in the European market and can be ideal for data-driven, regulation-aware investors. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
