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Vacant office space is multiplying in major cities, while demand for short-term furnished accommodation continues to grow. In Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, many owners are therefore considering converting their former offices into Airbnb apartments.
But between strict regulations, administrative procedures, and profitability issues, the project requires careful preparation. Change of use, municipal authorization, housing compliance, taxation: every step counts in order to achieve a transformation that is legal, profitable, and sustainable.
In this guide, Lavie Maison explains how to convert an office into an Airbnb, the rules you need to know, the essential work involved, and the conditions for profitability for a secure and successful project.
In France’s major cities, thousands of square meters of office space remain vacant. These spaces, often in prime locations, represent a rare opportunity for owners: converting them into high-yield furnished tourist accommodation. This trend addresses two challenges: making the most of underused assets and adapting cities to new ways of living.
An old office can become a highly profitable asset. Where an empty space generates no income, a well-planned conversion can create attractive furnished accommodation, suitable for business or leisure travelers. Transforming an office means giving a central location a new residential function, while increasing its asset value and contributing to the revitalization of the urban fabric.
The seasonal rental market remains buoyant in major tourist cities. A converted former office building can offer a gross return of 8 to 12%, well above that of a long-term rental. Provided that regulations are complied with, this strategy allows you to diversify your real estate portfolio and optimize profitability thanks to the flexibility of the Airbnb model.
Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice are sorely lacking in quality furnished accommodation. Travelers are looking for well-equipped, comfortable apartments located in central neighborhoods: exactly the profile of many former offices. This conversion therefore meets a real demand and helps to reduce commercial vacancy rates, while improving the rental market.
Converting an office into furnished accommodation requires compliance with both the Urban Planning Code and the Building Code.
There are two distinct procedures: change of use and change of purpose. These may be complementary depending on the nature of the project.
The change of use concerns the legal function of the premises. An office is not a dwelling; for it to become one, municipal authorization is required in cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants and in the inner suburbs of Paris. In Paris, this authorization is issued by the Housing and Habitat Department. Compensation is sometimes required: converting non-residential premises elsewhere into permanent housing in order to preserve the balance between housing and economic activity.
The change of use is governed by the PLU (local urban planning plan). It involves changing the type of use of a building: from an office to a residential property.
This process may require a prior declaration or a building permit, depending on the scale of the work (openings, structures, facades, etc.). Consulting an architect or a lawyer specializing in urban planning will help to ensure that this stage goes smoothly.
The rules vary from city to city:
These authorizations are specific to the property and its owner, any future modifications require a new application.
Before the property is rented out, several formalities ensure that the project complies with regulations.
To be completed with the city planning department:
Also check the condominium rules: certain clauses may prohibit residential use or seasonal rentals.
Work that alters the structure requires a preliminary declaration or a building permit. This authorization guarantees the safety, health, and compliance of the future dwelling.
The involvement of an architect ensures that standards are properly implemented (electricity, ventilation, insulation, ceiling height).
Once the work is complete, the property must be registered with the local council to obtain a registration number, which is mandatory on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.
The owner then chooses their tax regime: micro-BIC or LMNP. Without this formality, the rental is illegal and subject to a fine.
Electrical installations, ventilation, and fire safety must be brought up to residential standards. A preliminary assessment allows you to plan the necessary work.
The layout must include:
Every square foot must be optimized to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for future occupants.
Since offices are not designed for residential use, effective insulation is essential for comfort, quiet, and energy efficiency.
In Paris, any conversion into tourist accommodation requires authorization for a change of use and sometimes compensation.
This measure aims to preserve the residential housing stock in the face of the rise in tourist rentals.
They involve converting other commercial premises into permanent housing.
This constraint increases the cost of projects in Paris but remains more flexible in cities such as Bordeaux or Lyon.
Since the Le Meur law (2024), fines can reach €100,000 and result in the suspension of business activities.
Inspections are frequent: complying with the law means protecting your investment.
Short-term rentals can generate a gross return of 8 to 12%, compared to 4 to 6% for traditional rentals. However, renovation and management costs must be anticipated.
Airbnb income falls under the BIC category:
Micro-BIC: 50% allowance.
LMNP au réel: deduction of expenses and depreciation. The choice of regime depends on the amount of income and the asset management strategy.
Airbnb rentals offer greater profitability but require active management. Long-term rentals are more stable and less restrictive. The right choice depends on the owner’s profile and the target city.
They guarantee technical compliance and enhance the surface area, which is an asset for attracting tourists.
They secure administrative authorizations and transactions related to the conversion or resale of the property.
Entrusting rental management to a specialized concierge service such as Lavie Maison allows you to maximize revenue, guarantee a high-end experience, and delegate logistics (cleaning, reception, maintenance).
When properly prepared, converting an office into Airbnb accommodation can become a high-value-added real estate strategy.
Success is based on three pillars: compliance with regulations, quality of workmanship, and professional management.
With the support of Lavie Maison, every vacant space can be transformed into elegant, high-performance accommodation that combines design, comfort, and sustainable profitability.