Investing in short-term rentals has become one of the most popular ways of generating passive income while benefiting from a property with long-term value. However, the success of such a project requires more than enthusiasm : it requires market knowledge, rigorous property selection, and a clear profitability strategy. This is exactly what our customer Jérôme understood when he called on Drive Home for his project in Nice.
👤 Customer profile : Jérôme, 41, senior executive and first-time investor
Jérôme lives in Brussels where he works in the banking sector. He has been interested in rental property investment for a few years, but had never taken the plunge before. After following several online training courses and listening to specialist podcasts, he identified Nice as a city with great potential for seasonal rental.
Objective : to buy a property eligible for short-term rental, ideally in the center or close to the sea, at a budget of €280,000, with a targeted gross profitability of 7%.
Jérôme’s main difficulties :
He doesn’t know Nice or the local market
He doesn’t have enough time for visits
He’s apprehensive about administrative procedures
He doesn’t know how to manage the rental remotely
📞 Step 1 : Strategic analysis and project scoping
After contacting Drive Home, Jérôme had a personalized scoping meeting with one of our advisors specialized in rental investments. Together, they defined :
A priority geographical area: Libération, Le Port, Vieux-Nice
Property type : furnished studio or T2, in good condition or slightly refurbished
Rental profile : travelers, couples, telecommuters, short-stay professionals
Overall budget, including notary fees, work, furnishings and acquisition costs.
We then activated our network of partner real estate hunters in Nice to locate properties matching the criteria.
🔍 Step 2 : Search, selection and on-site support
In two weeks, our team proposed 5 pre-selected properties, all optimized for short-term rental (strategic location, compatible building, reasonable charges, up-to-date diagnostics). Each proposal included :
A complete dossier with photos, location and neighborhood analysis
A projected net return, including tax and management costs
A development scenario with estimated costs
Jérôme chose a 31 m² one-bedroom apartment in the Port district, a 3-minute walk from the tramway, at a price of €252,000 (including fees). The apartment was empty, well-maintained and had a south-facing balcony. We coordinated :
An on-site visit by video
A full technical report
A successful negotiation of €7,000 on the listed price
🧱 Step 3 : Monitoring the purchasing process and preparing to rent
As soon as the compromise was signed, we assisted Jérôme with :
Putting him in touch with a local notary
Choosing a broker for the financing
Legal analysis of the co-ownership regulations to ensure compatibility with short-term rental.
At the same time, we launched the refurbishment work (paint, lighting, kitchen) and managed the entire furnishing project, in collaboration with a partner interior decorator. The objective : a contemporary, uncluttered and warm style, perfectly suited to the tourist target.
📱 Step 4 : Turnkey letting and rental management
Once the apartment was ready, our team took charge of the entire rental process :
Creation of ads on Airbnb, Booking, Abritel
Professional photoshoot of the apartment
Setting up a dynamic pricing system
Selection and training of local concierge to ensure check-in, cleanliness and customer service
Result : within the first few weeks, the apartment had a 90% occupancy rate, with an average rating of 4.9/5 on the platforms.
📈 Result : a profitable investment, managed remotely
In less than 4 months from the first contact, Jérôme has :
Acquired a property with strong rental potential
Optimized the layout to meet local demand
Made his investment profitable within the first two months
Implemented fully delegated management
Projected net profitability over 12 months : 6.8%
Approximately €11,000 in net annual income, with an estimated annual occupancy rate of 75%.
Testimonial from Jérôme :
“Drive Home enabled me to take the stress-free step of investing. I was accompanied from A to Z, from the choice of property to the first reservation. Their knowledge of the local market is a real asset, and today I’m serene with a property that works for me.”
🧠 What this case study teaches us
The success of Jérôme’s project is based on several key elements :
A clear strategy from the outset
Human and local support
Intelligent, automated management
An approach focused on long-term profitability
It’s not just about buying a property : you have to think about the rental product and the customer experience. Today’s travelers are looking for practical, well-located, well-decorated accommodation with reliable service. Drive Home’s role is to transform a real estate opportunity into a profitable and sustainable experience.
🏙️ Why Nice is an ideal city for short-term rentals
Nice combines several advantages for investors :
Massive influx of tourists all year round
City served by an international airport
Good connectivity with major European cities
Attractive living environment: sea, culture, climate
Strong demand for well-located furnished accommodation
However, regulations are strict. Certain zones are subject to authorizations, change-of-use limits or seasonal rental quotas. So it’s essential to be well advised to avoid the pitfalls.
🤝 In conclusion
Jérôme’s case perfectly illustrates Drive Home’s expertise in turnkey rental investment support. Whether you’re in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Canada or the UK, we can help you :
Identify cities with potential
Select a profitable property
Follow the administrative procedures
Put the property up for rent efficiently
Delegate management for real passive income
Want to invest in short-term rental in Nice, Paris, Bordeaux or elsewhere?
Contact us today for a free study of your project.
