Buying a second home: Key points to consider

In 2025, are you planning to invest in a secondary residence? Make sure to take these key points into account first!

Here is everything you need to know before buying your secondary residence:

In addition to giving you the freedom to bring your loved ones together whenever you please, your secondary residence contributes to growing your capital and your real estate portfolio. You may even hope to make a profit upon resale, or rent it out during periods when it is unoccupied.

But beware!

Investing in a secondary residence is not simply a matter of covering a purchase price. Here are the costs you need to anticipate before taking the plunge:

👉 Loan repayments: Very few people can purchase a property without taking out a bank loan. Make sure that the monthly repayments do not put a strain on your budget!

👉 Taxes: Acquiring a secondary residence leads to an increased tax burden. Several taxes should be expected, such as the housing tax, property tax, and even the IFI (real estate wealth tax) in certain cases.

👉 Insurance: Your notary advises you to take out comprehensive multi-risk insurance to protect your property in the event of damage.

👉 Maintenance costs: Garden upkeep, cleaning, security… Several ongoing expenses need to be factored in.

👉 Renovation: If you are purchasing a property that requires work, do your calculations carefully by obtaining accurate quotes.

Despite these expenses, buying a secondary residence can also represent a real estate investment to pass on to your children. Your notary can advise you on the structuring and optimisation of your purchase — whether through an SCI, a SARL, or in your own name.

Seeking advice from a notary and anticipating the costs associated with your purchase is strongly recommended.

If you have any questions, we would be delighted to answer them.

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