How to reduce the running costs of a second home in France

Reader question: How can I reduce the running costs of a property I only use for part of the year?

To reduce electricity bills at your second home, you could sign up for an EDF Tempo contract. It has variable consumption costs, with 300 days in the year at a low bleu tariff, 43 days at a blanc tariff, and 22 days at a rouge tariff.

Electricity costs are significantly higher on rouge days. The latter is applied between November 1 and March 31, making the contract particularly beneficial for people who only visit their second homes in warmer months.

You should also check your electricity meter subscription level as it may be possible to lower it if the property’s power needs are modest.

Internet offers for second homes change often. Orange recently stopped a specific offer, and replaced it with a €9/month discount for a second home internet-only package if you already have a contract with them. Alternatively, if you do not see yourself using a computer all day and then streaming television in the evenings, there are usually low-cost offers from major operators. However, make sure it is not for a limited period, after which prices could increase sharply.

Another solution is to bring across a 4G or 5G modem and put in the cheapest French SIM card you can find. Note, however, that performance will depend on the strength of the mobile signal in your house. Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet is also recommended by some readers. Its ‘Itinérance’ offer, costing €45/month, can be stopped when it is not needed and used in more than 150 countries.

With house insurance, shopping around each year can save money. Consumers can switch contracts for whatever reason at any point after the first year, and insurance providers must do the paperwork to close the old account. Most people find it is cheapest either to add their second home to the policy covering their main home, where possible, or to use the same insurer for both properties.

You could also look at ways to minimise transport costs – both on the journey to France and while there. Car sharing can involve organisation but splitting ferry, fuel and toll costs can save hundreds of euros. Regular travellers may also benefit from ferry loyalty schemes and booking crossings well in advance. Drivers using French motorways frequently could consider an electronic toll badge, as providers can offer discounted fees or special deals for regular users.