In which cities in France to invest in rental property?

Buying rental property in large cities: a comparison

L’achat d’un bien pour des fins locatives dans une grande ville constitue a priori l’assurance de la rentabilité, puisque les métropoles françaises concentrent l’emploi et les plus grandes universités du pays. Aussi, qu’il s’agisse d’un studio d’étudiant, ou d’un 2 pièces pour un jeune actif, faire une offre dans une grande ville optimise les chances du propriétaire de louer son bien facilement.

Investissement Locatif vous dresse le comparatif des localités où investir en 2022. 

Depending on the type of rental purchase desired, you should choose between the above criteria: 

• for a studio or a 2-room apartment, you should concentrate on the larger student proportions.
• For a house or a luxury flat, the focus will be more on the average wage per capita combined with the low unemployment rate.
• Tighter budgets will look at the price per square metre in comparison to the student ratio.
• For larger purchases, the unemployment rate should be checked as it is directly related to the vacancy rate.

Rental investment in large cities: how to choose?

Choosing the area to bid on if you want to rent usually depends on the assets the locality has to offer. Depending on the project, the choice of area can range from the largest metropolises to municipalities with a high concentration of students. Making an investment based on a tax exemption law (Pinel, LMNP) can also be a good idea once the area has been chosen.

Buying rental property in Paris

The idea of buying for rental purposes in Paris is proving to be favourable for several reasons. Being the capital, Paris will always be a mandatory destination for at least 50% of French people, whether it is a year of passage or to stay. With its prestigious institutions, top schools and diversified jobs, people will always look to rent in Paris, despite the soaring prices.

Property investment in Lyon

Lyon is the 2nd most export-oriented region, which makes it a very attractive employment area. It is home to 90 companies, each with at least a thousand employees. A renovation of the Part-Dieu business district is planned, creating new employment opportunities. The construction of a railway station capable of accommodating more than 200,000 people is also underway. The station will allow travel to Paris in just two hours via the TGV and will be accessible by 2030. Add to this its urban setting, cobbled streets, prestigious universities and festive nights, and the area becomes one of France's favourite metropolises. Investing in the districts of Lyon is therefore an opportunity not to be missed for a profitable purchase that is very easy to amortise.

Investing in a rental property in Marseille

As the fourth largest French city in which to invest, Marseille's real estate yields compete with those of central France. Indeed, with its beaches and creeks capable of making the whole world dream, Marseille is a locality very much in demand in terms of real estate. With 3 imposing university training centres, a good thirty specialised schools and technical institutes, Marseille has more than 50,000 students. Finally, its large seaport makes it a very attractive employment area. As the TGV high-speed train station from Paris, Marseille has excellent transport links, which is an additional string to its already well-endowed bow.

Buying a rental property in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has recently become the provincial Paris: wide arteries, districts full of concept stores and other popular shops, its beach and Haussmann-style flats make it a desirable city for most French people. By 2030, one of the largest development projects in France is expected to be completed. In particular, the Euratlantique district will become a new employment and real estate basin with the construction of 25,000 housing units and numerous shops and service sector businesses.

The development of the area around Mérignac airport is also planned, with the creation of no less than 35,000 jobs. This will increase the potential of this locality for rental investments. Obviously, it will be necessary to plan ahead for these constructions in order to avoid a significant rise in the property market.

Rental properties in Lille

Lille has the advantage of being located between Paris, Brussels and London, so it has a privileged location. It is therefore a prime rental destination for Parisian workers, but obviously also for the people of Lille. Lille is a charming destination that attracts an impressive flow of tourists every year. It is also home to many international headquarters, as well as more than 80 national headquarters, which explains the high demand for a flat or a house. It is also the 3rd largest student city in France, and the 3rd largest health centre in France.

Investing in rental property in Nantes

Nantes has always been in the top 3 of the most interesting areas for rental investors. Why? Because of its low unemployment rate, its number one position in the agri-food industry, its industrial activity and also because of the student community's appetite for this festive city.

Opting for real estate in Strasbourg

The districts of Strasbourg are prime locations for property investors. This municipality is considered to be one of the main economic centres of the north-east. It is mainly composed of a tertiary sector focused on financial activities and business advice. These activities make Strasbourg a high potential location for a real estate project. With its renowned university and top schools, Strasbourg is also a student city with 20% foreigners.

Making a rental investment in Rennes

Rennes is the student city par excellence. It ranks eighth in the list of French university towns and has 70,000 students, i.e. about a third of its population. There are two campuses and 12 grandes écoles that would make their Parisian counterparts green with envy. Accessible from Paris in just 1 hour 30 minutes, Rennes is a hub of advantages, being the headquarters of several major French and international companies. By 2025, the EuroRennes project will be completed, with three major dimensions: a new railway station, the development of the economic centre and the extension of the city centre.

Rental property investment in Toulouse

Toulouse is the FrenchTech city of France. It is home to a large number of industries and almost as many start-ups, making it a great city to invest in. Toulouse is a city that concentrates a lot of activities and as many employees and collaborators looking for a flat. With its low unemployment rate, southern flair and pink walls, it is easy to see why it occupies a special place in the hearts of the French.

Investing in rental property in Rouen

Rouen is a city of history, the stronghold of Joan of Arc's death, it was hardly destroyed during the two world wars and therefore has a unique and important old quarter. With stable and inexpensive prices, it is a choice destination for a property purchase. Rouen is also a pleasant setting on the Paris-Le Havre axis, in the immediate vicinity of the capital, accessible in only 1 hour 20 minutes by train. It is also the headquarters of many national companies. It also has several start-up incubators where young working people in need of housing proliferate. Finally, its quietness and its number of bars attract many young professionals.

Buying to rent in Metz

A Lorraine city with great potential, Metz has all the details that make for an exceptional quality of life. With its start-ups, technologies, contemporary art centre, Metz-Pompidou, and concept stores, it is one of the trendiest cities in France. In addition to this particular appeal, there are more than 20,000 students, and its technology park employs more than 4,000 people in the telecommunications sector, the major specialised schools and its business centre (International Convention Centre & World Trade Centre Metz-Sarrebruck). It is also the 6th largest river port in France and the largest port for cereals.

Rental investments in Nancy

With more than 50,000 students living in the city, Nancy is undoubtedly one of the largest French student communities. With an exceptional university network that includes the École Supérieure d'Art et de Design, ICN Business School and Mines Nancy to form a prestigious curriculum spread over more than 10 hectares, it is one of the flagships of French higher education. Also, the city has almost 70% of tenants, which creates a high demand for flats. With a fairly high standard of living, rental prices are slightly more expensive than average, which makes it an attractive proposition for property investors. Situated between France, Germany and Luxembourg, Nancy is a city where opening a business is favourable, which is why about 1,900 of them are developing to a total of more than 3,000 companies. Finally, its setting with typical Lorraine squares and its aspiration for botany makes it a dream for many.

Buying a rental property in Reims

With its prestigious Neoma Business School and Sciences Po Reims, the Champagne area boasts more than 35,000 students. Accessible from Paris's Gare de l'Est in just 45 minutes, Reims has many qualities and welcomes many Parisian employees. Also, the city has about 70% of tenants, with obviously a strong rental demand. 

Buying a rental property in Saint-Etienne

Saint-Étienne is the 5th student city in the French ranking. It is home to 25,000 students, mainly because of its geographical proximity to Lyon, but also because of its 5 campuses, mainly specialised in science and health. The city also has four major industrial and economic clusters: Viaméca, Sporaltec, a medical technology cluster and a cluster dedicated to water and the environment. Close to Châteaucreux, it also benefits from the population of employees living in the heart of its business district, which includes 250,000 square metres of offices and the international headquarters of the Casino group. It benefits from a rental rate of return of 7.7%: it is not one of the most sought-after locations for rentals, but its properties are inexpensive and it is therefore possible to make good profits at a lower cost.

Investing in rental property in Grenoble

With its mountainous landscapes, Grenoble is a city where the quality of life is very much appreciated and valued. With a strong focus on renewable energy research and wildlife culture, it is one of France's leading metropolises. With its major scientific university centres and its 150 major companies recognised throughout the world, it is constantly attracting academics, young executives and also more experienced employees thanks to the particularly high levels of qualification required for each of the profiles sought. Investing in Grenoble is also a guarantee that you will receive a large number of candidates looking for a flat or a house for their studies or work. Grenoble is a real hub for engineers and leaders who are always looking for additional qualifications and unusual experiences.

Buying to rent in Montpellier

Ideally located near the beaches of Le Grau du Roi, Palavas les Flots, or La Grande Motte, Montpellier is an extremely attractive city. If it is appreciated for its geographical location, it is also appreciated for its bucolic city centre, typical of the south of France. With its cobbled streets, endless terraces and culinary specialities, Montpellier has a lot to offer tourists and locals alike. This is without counting its festive side recognised by the whole territory. It is not surprising that Montpellier is composed of ¼ of exclusively student population, that is to say approximately 70 000. On the professional side, Montpellier has 2,000 companies specialising in multimedia, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals spread over 18 major business parks. Situated in the sun, with a price per square metre of less than 1,000 euros and an exponential demand, Montpellier isone of the most favourable cities for property investment.

Rental investments in Villeurbanne

Villeurbanne is a commune in the Lyon suburbs. Nevertheless, it remainsone of the French localities with the highest number of rental requests. And for good reason, it has many assets, for example its campus concentrating 6 major schools: Polytechnique, the Claude Bernard Lyon I University or the INSA to name but a few. "If the two municipalities agree on the high probability of benefiting from a capital gain on the resale of housing, they are however opposed in terms of rental vacancy, which tends to be lower in Villeurbanne than in Lyon... Finally, it should be noted that its prices, both for buying and renting, mean that Villeurbanne also attracts the inhabitants of Lyon in search of family housing." source

Rental purchases in Orléans

Ideally located less than 150 kilometres south of Paris, Orléans now belongs to what is known as the extended Parisian suburbs. Parisian employees prefer this city to the nearby suburbs because of its dynamic environment and its architecture, which is very similar to certain areas of the capital. With a train journey time of only 1 hour and 14 minutes, it is understandable that some people prefer this town to other towns in the Île-de-France region that are much less well served than the city of the kings of France. With more than 113,000 inhabitants, Orléans has a low unemployment rate of less than 9%, 5,000 businesses and no less than 20,000 students. The city alone produces more than 70% of all French medicines and therefore has a very large pharmaceutical cluster. Easy to rent and sell, its real estate is the envy of workers and young people from Orleans as well as employees from Paris.

Investing in property in the Ile-de-France

The Ile-de-France region and the advantages it offers for a property rental project are no longer in evidence. Each city is an excellent choice of location for its inhabitants, and at the very least the ideal "dormitory" for jobs in the capital and the region. With a large number of national and international headquarters, top schools and the country's most popular universities, the Ile-de-France is the place with the lowest rental vacancy. Each of these areas has its own particular advantages and different prices per square metre.

Choisir d'investir dans l'immobilier locatif à Nice

Située en plein cœur de la Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Nice est la 5e ville la plus peuplée de France. Il s’agit d’une métropole attractive, dynamique et ensoleillée qui propose un cadre de vie incomparable sur la célèbre Côte d'Azur. Grâce à son réseau de transport développé, la ville de Nice sait se rendre accessible, elle dispose même d'un aéroport international. Ville qui séduit les jeunes, près de 44 221 étudiants y poursuivent leurs études. Le marché de l’immobilier à Nice est en constante progression et y acquérir un bien immobilier s’annonce florissant pour les investisseurs en quête de rendement sur le moyen et le long terme.

L'investissement dans un bien immobilier locatif à Cannes

Située au cœur des Alpes-Maritimes, Cannes propose un cadre de vie de qualité. Ville de prestige en bordure de la mer Méditerranée, Cannes voit sa population tripler en période estivale. La demande locative y est très forte, ce qui est idéal pour un investissement immobilier locatif. Célèbre pour son fameux festival, les habitants et les touristes peuvent également venir y profiter de La Croisette, de ses plages et de son magnifique panorama sur la mer Méditerranée. Attirant aussi bien vacanciers et retraités qu'hommes et femmes d'affaires tout au long de l'année, un investissement immobilier à Cannes vous assurera un risque de vacance locative très faible.

Réaliser un investissement immobilier à Toulon

Station balnéaire de la région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Toulon se situe entre les villes de Nice et Marseille, entre mer et montagne, et jouit d’un taux d’ensoleillement élevé qui fait le bonheur de ses habitants. Destination touristique par excellence, Toulon connaît une forte demande locative, ce qui représente un atout indéniable pour investir dans l'immobilier. Premier port militaire de la Méditérannée, de nombreuses familles, étudiants et jeunes actifs s'installent dans la localité pour profiter de son cadre de vie agréable et de ses plages pittoresques. Grâce à un prix immobilier plus faible que celui des villes voisines, Toulon permet aux investisseurs d'obtenir un bon rendement locatif.

Choisir la ville de Caen pour son investissement locatif

Idéalement située proche de Paris, Rouen, Rennes et Le Havre, Caen jouit d’une position géographique stratégique à seulement 30 minutes de la mer. Caen attire chaque année un nombre important de touristes grâce à la richesse de son patrimoine historique et culturel d'exception. Caen accueille également de nombreux évènements culturels qui boostent son attractivité et son dynamisme tout au long de l'année. La commune est aussi l’une des plus anciennes villes universitaires de l’Hexagone. Outre l’Université de Caen-Normandie, elle abrite également plusieurs écoles supérieures. Autant d'arguments qui font de cette ville un lieu idéal où réaliser un investissement locatif.

Investir dans un bien locatif à Dax

Située dans le département des Landes, dans le sud-ouest de la France, la commune de Dax est connue pour être la première station thermale de France. La ville séduit un grand nombre de visiteurs de par ses paysages verdoyants et la diversité de ses activités. Elle a également l’avantage de se situer à proximité de grandes villes, comme Bordeaux. La cité dacquoise s’avère également un lieu très festif et animé. Bien située au cœur des Landes, sur la rive gauche de l’Adour, Dax est une ville dynamique. C’est pourquoi elle séduit les jeunes couples, les travailleurs, les cadres et les ouvriers. De plus, Dax est un pôle d’enseignement important. En effet, la ville héberge de bons établissements d'enseignement supérieur, comme l’Institut du thermalisme, l’école supérieure d’ingénierie informatique IN’TECH et l’Institut de formation en soins infirmiers (IFSI). C'est donc un endroit de choix pour un projet locatif.

Faire le choix de Chambéry pour investir dans le locatif

Chambéry, également appelée la « Cité des ducs », est située au cœur du département de la Savoie, à mi-chemin entre Annecy et Grenoble. Ville à taille humaine, Chambéry attire de plus en plus d’investisseurs immobiliers français. Chambéry profite d’une variété de paysages exceptionnels combinant nature et urbanisme. Par ailleurs, la ville a de quoi faire plaisir aux amateurs de sport de glisse puisqu'il existe 7 stations de ski à proximité. En outre, le patrimoine et l’histoire ancienne de Chambéry lui ont permis d’être catégorisée « ville d’art et d’histoire ». Berceau de l’Université de Savoie, Chambéry est classée 1ère ville universitaire parmi les villes moyennes.

Investissement locatif à Clermont-Ferrand

Située dans la région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Clermont-Ferrand est une commune particulièrement attractive du centre de la France. Elle offre une multitude de possibilités pour effectuer un projet d’investissement locatif. La ville compte notamment près de 42 000 étudiants qui viennent y profiter de son calme. Outre son attractivité pour la communauté étudiante, la ville est également un excellent bassin d’emploi puisqu'elle abrite environ 23 833 entreprises. La ville de Clermont-Ferrand est considérée comme un pôle économique majeur de l’Hexagone et se classe parmi les meilleures villes en termes de dynamisme entrepreneurial.

Acquérir un bien immobilier locatif à Brest

Située à l’extrême pointe de la Bretagne, dans le Finistère, Brest attire de plus en plus d’investisseurs français. Elle réunit toutes les conditions pour réaliser un investissement rentable. Entre mer et terre, la ville jouit d'une situation exceptionnelle. Alliant richesses naturelles et patrimoine culturel, cette localité attire chaque année un grand nombre de touristes qui viennent y profiter des belles plages, du conservatoire botanique, du musée national de la marine ou bien encore de la tour Tanguy. Premier bassin d’emploi du département du Finistère, Brest est aussi le principal pôle économique de la région Bretagne. Par ailleurs, la commune recense actuellement près de 26 000 étudiants, attirés par la modernité des infrastructures et la qualité de vie offerte par la ville.

L'investissement immobilier à Vannes

Vannes est idéalement située sur la côte sud de la région Bretagne. Disposant d’un cadre de vie calme et agréable, elle attire particulièrement les familles, les étudiants et les séniors. Ville touristique, Vannes affiche un très bon climat économique, un bon développement démographique et une bonne couverture logistique. Ces qualités en font notamment une commune idéale pour effectuer un investissement dans l’immobilier locatif. Outre la présence du port, Vannes dispose de plusieurs monuments. Les habitants peuvent notamment découvrir les remparts et le jardin de la Garenne ou bien la cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes. De plus, Vannes est particulièrement attractive grâce à sa qualité de ville verte. Ainsi, investir dans cette ville vous offrira un bon patrimoine pour le futur en plus de vous générer des revenus complémentaires.

Investir dans la ville de Quimper

Commune française de la région Bretagne, Quimper est propice à l’investissement immobilier. Outre son réseau de transport et son développement démographique, elle offre également différents services indispensables pour un cadre de vie agréable. Quimper propose notamment divers marchés, restaurants et centres de loisirs. De par son patrimoine historique exceptionnel et ses nombreux parcs, elle a obtenu le label « 4 fleurs » au concours des villes et villages fleuris. Également connue comme une ville touristique, Quimper possède un centre-ville bien animé et se trouve à proximité de la plage. De plus, le cœur de la ville attire énormément les étudiants, contribuant ainsi à alimenter la demande locative.

Choisir d'investir dans la pierre au Havre

Située en région Normandie et abritant l’un des deux plus grands ports français, Le Havre bénéficie d'une forte attractivité aux yeux des investisseurs. Disposant d'un patrimoine riche, elle est d'ailleurs inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO depuis 2005. En outre, la ville jouit d'une forte accessibilité grâce à sa situation géographique idéale. Niveau déplacement, les habitants profitent de nombreux moyens de transport efficaces et variés. Le Havre compte notamment 22 lignes de bus et 23 stations de tramway. Par ailleurs, la commune attire de nombreux étudiants notamment grâce à l'Université Le Havre Normandie. Pour les familles, la ville compte également plusieurs dizaines d'écoles primaires, maternelles, de collèges et de lycées. Ainsi, c'est un secteur bénéficiant d'une forte demande locative ce qui est idéal pour y réaliser un projet immobilier rentable.

Rental investment in large cities: the certainty of profitability

Rental yields in large cities

Large metropolitan areas seem to be a safe bet for real estate investment. However, over time, and despite extremely low vacancies, some locations are seeing their prices soar and creating a much less attractive return. This is particularly the case in Paris and Bordeaux. Indeed, the landlord will always have a lot of demand, but the price at which he has acquired the property will take much longer to recoup, even with higher than average rents.

Know the city or get help from a local

D’une manière ou d’une autre, il y aura toujours un quartier plus attrayant que d’autres en fonction des besoins des habitants. Aussi, la demande sera toujours plus forte dans certains quartiers des métropoles comme Paris ou Marseille, le prix d’un loyer baissera de près de 200 euros si tant est qu’on change de trottoir. C’est pourquoi il importe toujours de connaître la ville dans laquelle on s’apprête à acheter un bien.

Rental investment in medium-sized cities: a reliable and affordable purchase

Although the metropolises are an optimal investment for buying a flat, the medium-sized municipalities around them are also worth knowing. Their low prices, their proximity to large cities and their quality of life are strong arguments that give them a low percentage of vacancies. Obviously, the localities with the best public transport links will be theEldorado for investors, as they will be widely favoured by tenants.

In these conditions, the temptation to rent bigger for less is obviously there.