Buy-to-Let in Luxembourg: How to Calculate Rental Yield and Whether It's Worth It
Thomas Weber
Cross-border tax specialist and pension advisor
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not financial, tax or legal advice. Verify with administration.public.lu and consult a qualified professional before making decisions.
Luxembourg's property market has one of the tightest rental vacancy rates in Europe — driven by a growing expat population, limited housing stock, and strong corporate demand. This sounds promising for landlords, but rental yields tell a more nuanced story.
Gross vs Net Rental Yield
Gross yield = (Annual rent ÷ Property price) × 100
Net yield accounts for costs: property tax, management fees, maintenance, insurance, and vacancy periods.
In Luxembourg, where property prices are high relative to rents, gross yields typically run at 2.5–4.5% — lower than markets like Germany (3.5–5%) or France (4–6%) in similar cities.
Example: €500,000 Apartment in Esch-sur-Alzette
Monthly rent: €2,000 → Annual: €24,000 Gross yield: 24,000 ÷ 500,000 = 4.8%
- Property management (8%): €1,920
- Maintenance reserve (1% of value): €5,000
- Insurance: €800
- Property tax (impôt foncier): ~€400
- Vacancy allowance (1 month/year): €2,000
Net income: €24,000 − €10,120 = €13,880 Net yield: 13,880 ÷ 500,000 = 2.8%
How Tax Affects Returns
- Mortgage interest
- Depreciation (typically 2% of the building value per year)
- Maintenance and renovation costs
- Management fees
With these deductions, many landlords reduce their taxable rental income significantly — often near zero in early years when mortgage interest is highest.
Luxembourg vs Neighbouring Markets
| City | Avg Gross Yield | Property Price (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg City | 2.5–3.5% | €9,000/m² |
| Esch-sur-Alzette | 3.5–4.5% | €5,500/m² |
| Metz (France) | 5.0–7.0% | €2,200/m² |
| Trier (Germany) | 4.0–5.5% | €3,500/m² |
The numbers suggest that for pure yield, cross-border investors may find better returns in neighbouring France or Germany. Luxembourg property's appeal lies more in capital appreciation and the strength of the rental market.
Should You Invest?
- You're investing long-term (10+ years) and expect capital appreciation
- You're financing at a fixed rate with significant equity
- You're in a lower tax bracket where rental income is taxed at 20–25%
- You're willing to manage or hire a reliable property manager
Calculate Your Rental Yield
[👉 Use the Luxembourg Rental Yield Calculator](/calculators/rental-yield)
Enter the property price, expected monthly rent, and annual costs to see your gross and net yield — plus how tax affects your actual return.
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