Turnkey Investment Properties in LyonCity between ruinsand rising startups

Real estate in Lyon: a resilient investment hub in France's economic heartland

Introduction: Why invest in Lyon

Lyon is the second most important economic center in France and among the most livable cities in Europe. Located at the crossroads of northern and southern Europe, Lyon combines a rich architectural heritage, strong employment base, and world-class universities. It is home to global corporations, especially in pharmaceuticals, biotech, banking, and logistics. With over 500,000 residents in the city proper and nearly 2.5 million in the wider metropolitan area, Lyon provides a diversified, high-demand real estate market ideal for long-term investment strategies.

Property types and locations

Lyon offers diverse investment opportunities across its arrondissements and surrounding suburbs:

• Presqu'île and Vieux Lyon: Historic zones with heritage buildings, boutique apartments, and short-let potential
• Part-Dieu: Commercial and business heart of the city with new residential towers and high-speed train station
• Confluence: A major regeneration zone with sustainable buildings, modern condos, and creative industries
• Gerland: Popular with students and young professionals due to universities and new tech offices
• Villeurbanne and Caluire-et-Cuire: Suburban zones with more affordable pricing and long-term family tenants

Legal ownership and foreign access

Foreigners can freely purchase real estate in Lyon with no restrictions. Ownership is freehold, and transactions are notarized under the French civil code. Most investors work with a local agent (agence immobilière) and a notaire (notary public) to secure clean title and finalize registration. France offers strong legal protections to buyers, including pre-sale disclosures, cooling-off periods, and clear tax structuring options (LMNP, SCI, etc.).

Property prices

• Historic apartments: €4,000–€7,000/m² depending on location and renovation
• Modern condos in Confluence/Part-Dieu: €5,500–€8,500/m²
• Suburban family homes: €400,000–€750,000 for 3–4 bedrooms within commuting distance

Lyon’s prices are generally lower than Paris but higher than Marseille or Toulouse, with strong fundamentals in liquidity and rental demand.

Rental market and income

Lyon is consistently ranked as one of the top French cities for landlords due to:

• Its massive student population (over 150,000)
• High employment levels and international headquarters
• Transport connectivity — TGV to Paris in 2 hours, airport with global links

Gross yields:

• Studios: 4%–6%
• 1–2 bedroom apartments: 3.5%–5%
• Short-term licensed rentals: 7%–9% (in central areas with permits)

Transport and infrastructure

• Metro, tram, funicular, and bus systems operate across the city
• Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport: international connections to Europe, Africa, and Middle East
• TGV hub in Part-Dieu links to Paris, Geneva, and Marseille
• Strong cycling network and riverside pedestrian paths

Development areas

• Confluence: France’s largest eco-neighborhood with LEED-certified buildings, ideal for green-conscious investors
• Part-Dieu expansion: Office-residential mixed zones near TGV station and shopping centers
• Gerland biotech hub: Rising demand from researchers, students, and medical staff

Taxation and fiscal incentives

France applies a 17.2% social tax on rental income for EU residents and ~30% for non-EU (unless DTT applies). Investors can reduce tax burdens by choosing:

• LMNP status: For furnished rentals with amortization
• LMP (professional landlord): If rental income exceeds €23,000 annually
• SCI structure: Family and multi-investor holding companies for long-term asset control

Scenarios

• Studio in Guillotière: €160,000, rented at €650/month – 4.8% gross yield
• 1-bed in Confluence: €280,000, rented as Airbnb with permits — 8% yield
• 2-bed near Part-Dieu: €350,000, long lease to corporate tenant – stable income

Risks and mitigation

• Rental caps in some zones (encadrement des loyers) — must check annually
• Airbnb regulation enforcement — limit short-term lets in some central areas
• Older buildings require diagnostics and sometimes major renovation

How VelesClub Int. assists in Lyon

• Targeted property sourcing in high-demand zones
• Structuring purchase through LMNP/SCI as needed
• Legal review of leases, diagnostics, and ownership
• Furnishing, licensing, and turnkey management setup

Conclusion

Lyon remains one of the most balanced and resilient cities for real estate investment in France. With a thriving economy, consistent demand, and a regulated market, it is well-suited for both private investors and institutional buyers. Whether focusing on cash-flow or long-term growth, the city’s infrastructure and reputation make it a solid European anchor in any portfolio. With VelesClub Int., investors gain access to exclusive opportunities and full-cycle support in acquisition, compliance, and asset management.