Discover why Roubaix ranks as the top city in France for real estate rental investment on a small budget. With attractive prices, a vibrant student community, and impressive returns of up to 11%, Roubaix is a strategic choice for investors seeking high profitability and growth potential.
The French rental market is heating up as student demand surges every summer, creating lucrative opportunities for individuals exploring France real estate rental investment. For investors with a modest budget, the city of Roubaix now stands out as the most profitable destination, boasting rental returns of up to 11%—the highest among student cities according to a recent study by Maslow.
Roubaix: The Leading Choice for Small Budgets
Roubaix, located in the Nord department, has emerged as the top pick for rental property investments under €100,000. In the past five years, the city’s student population has soared by 13%, reaching approximately 13,100 students in 2024. This robust growth is fueled by the opening of new institutions such as the Piktura animation school, which welcomed 415 students in 2024, and ambitious expansion plans by renowned business schools like EDHEC, which recently committed €60 million to expand and renovate its 51,000 m² campus.
The influx of students isn’t only driven by local demand—Roubaix also attracts students from neighboring Lille. As rental availability in Lille tightens, more students are seeking affordable accommodation in Roubaix, intensifying rental demand and boosting investment returns.
Exceptional Profitability in the French Rental Market
According to Maslow’s analysis, Roubaix offers the highest rental profitability among France’s student cities, with gross returns reaching an impressive 11%. Attractive entry prices contribute to its appeal: in northern Roubaix, property prices average around €1,800 per m², while in the southern sector (near EDHEC) prices rise to €2,500 per m².
For comparison, other student-focused cities like Le Mans (Sarthe) and Poitiers (Vienne) also present compelling rental yields, averaging 8% profitability for a 25 m² studio, but these returns still trail behind the exceptional performance found in Roubaix.
Student Demand & Rental Tension Drive the Market
Each year, the Parcoursup admission process catalyzes a rush for student housing, as two-thirds of high school graduates move away from home. According to recent figures from LocService, rental tension is reaching record levels in almost all major student cities across France. While this situation presents challenges for students seeking affordable accommodation, it’s a prime opportunity for property owners and new entrants to the France real estate rental investment market.
Maslow’s study, leveraging data from the Ministry of Higher Education and LocService, highlights the cities with the greatest growth in student numbers and the highest rental yields, guiding investors towards markets with both robust demand and attractive returns.
Why Roubaix Is a Rental Investment Hotspot
- Affordable purchase price: Entry costs under €100,000 make Roubaix accessible for first-time investors and those with limited capital.
- Rapidly growing student population: Drives consistent rental demand throughout the academic year.
- Institutional expansion: New and expanding campuses amplify the need for nearby student accommodation.
- Rental tension spillover: Overflow from Lille’s tight housing market pushes more students towards Roubaix.
- Above-average profitability: Roubaix’s 11% yield outpaces both national averages and other top-performing student cities in France.
If you are seeking the best return for France real estate rental investment, Roubaix stands head and shoulders above other student cities in 2024 and 2025. With low entry prices, rising demand, and double-digit profitability, Roubaix is the ideal choice for investors looking to grow their portfolios and capitalize on France’s thriving student rental market.
