Property

Buy-to-Let in Luxembourg: How to Calculate Rental Yield and Whether It's Worth It

Thomas Weber

Thomas Weber

Cross-border tax specialist and pension advisor

9 min read

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

CityAvg Gross YieldProperty Price (avg)
Luxembourg City2.5–3.5%€9,000/m²
Esch-sur-Alzette3.5–4.5%€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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About the Author

Thomas Weber — Cross-border tax specialist and pension advisor

Thomas Weber

Verified Expert

Cross-border tax specialist and pension advisor

Steuerberater · MRICS

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