Short-term rental (Airbnb) market study in Annecy

Factual data · GO/NO-GO verdict · Financial model calibrated over 96 months

Market context

The Airbnb project in Annecy works on three models: direct owner management (max margin), concierge service (15-25 % of revenue), professional rental operation (long-term lease + authorized sub-rental).

Key indicators

Initial investment
220K € 1M €
Depending on location and positioning
Year 1 revenue
21K € 81K €
Year 1 target, ramp to 1.2-1.4x by year 3
Average ticket
75 € 253 €
35 % target net margin
Payback period
96 months
Typical steady-state payback

Economic profile of the area

Population
128K inhabitants
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Country
France
Tier 2 — regional hub
Setup cost
+20% vs average
Rent + labor index
Purchasing power
+15% vs average
Local disposable income

Dominant profile: touristique · residentielle

Competition and positioning

Competitive density: medium (clear niches still open).

Dominant players: mix of family-owned independents and global groups (Accor, Marriott, IHG).

Positioning recommendation: Premium positioning defensible thanks to comfortable sector margin.

3-year financial projections

Indicator Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Year 1 revenue 21K € → 81K € ×1,18 (ramp-up) ×1,32 (steady-state)
Target net margin negative to low 31 % 37 %
Working capital (days of revenue) 45-60 d 35-50 d 30-45 d
Cumulative ROI investment ~50 % Payback at 96 months

These ratios are calibrated on MarketLens sector benchmarks and adjusted by local coefficients of Annecy (cost +20% vs average, income +15% vs average).

Main risks to anticipate

Frequently asked questions

Is Airbnb rental still profitable in Annecy?
Yes, depending on local regulation. Tight markets (Paris, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon...) cap at 120 nights/year for primary residence. Secondary or dedicated property: typical revenue 21K €-81K € €/year at 55-65 % occupancy. Gross yield 8-12 % vs 4-5 % unfurnished.
What operating costs to expect?
Cleaning and linen (12-18 % of revenue), platform commission (3-15 %), concierge if outsourced (15-25 %), repairs and maintenance (5-8 %), internet/streaming subscriptions, tourist tax (passed through). Total opex 30-45 % of revenue. Net margin 35 %.
Legal structure for professional Airbnb operation?
1-2 properties: passive furnished rental (favorable tax). 3+ properties or >23K € revenue: professional furnished rental with depreciation and loss carry-forward. Beyond: family LLC, SPV, or family holding.
How to comply with regulation in Annecy?
Steps: city hall declaration, registration number to display on Airbnb, 120-night cap if primary residence in tight market, tourist tax collection and remittance, business income reporting. Enforcement has tightened since 2023.

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