Where to invest in 2026 for record rental yields of up to 9,5%?

Through in-depth simulations, Lokimo offers investors a clear vision to optimize their investments in a rapidly changing market.

Record yields in representative cities

Lokimo's study is based on simulations conducted in ten cities selected for their representativeness: Béziers, Libourne, Lorient, Dieppe, Sartrouville, Creil, Meaux, Nancy, Mâcon, and Fort-de-France. The results reveal significant differences in performance depending on the systems and local specificities:

• Jeanbrun scheme (old with renovation): The cities of Creil (9,5%), Dieppe (9,1%), Béziers (8,9%) and Nancy (8,4%) stand out with exceptional net returns.
• Loc'Avantages: Gross returns between 4,1% and 6,3%, offering a secure but less efficient approach for investors seeking to maximize their return on investment.
• Jeanbrun Neuf: Marked disparities, with yields ranging from 2,7% in Sartrouville to 6,3% in Creil, highlighting the importance of a detailed analysis of the local market.

According to Binta Gamassa, co-founder and CTO of Lokimo: “In Creil, we achieve net returns of up to 9,5% with the Jeanbrun scheme for renovated older properties, compared to levels between 4,1% and 6,3% for more traditional approaches like Loc'Avantages. These differences demonstrate that in 2026, real estate performance will rely less on the gross return shown than on the ability to combine taxation, energy renovation, and a thorough analysis of local dynamics.”

Gross Yield vs. Net Yield: A Paradigm Shift

One of the main findings of the study is clear: gross yield is no longer sufficient to assess the relevance of a rental investment.

• Loc'Avantages is based on a balanced logic, but constrained by the discount on rents.
• The new Jeanbrun exhibits performance that is dependent on zones and regulatory ceilings.
• Jeanbrun ancien stands out for its powerful leverage effect linked to taxation and renovation.

Jeanbrun ancien: Up to 9,5% real return

The Jeanbrun system in older buildings, incorporating renovation work, appears to be particularly effective:

• Creil (9,5%), Dieppe (9,1%), Béziers (8,9%), Nancy (8,4%): Net returns among the highest on the market.
• Lorient (6,4%), Fort-de-France (7,2%): Even in more constrained markets, performance remains solid thanks to energy recovery and tax advantages.

This outperformance is based on several factors:

• The depreciation of the asset.
• The enhanced land deficit (up to €21.400).
• Creating value through energy renovation.

Loc'Avantages: Stability and security

The Loc'Avantages scheme remains a prudent option, focused on a 15% rent discount and a tax reduction. It offers stability and accessibility, but proves less effective for investors seeking overall optimization.

Jeanbrun: A new model for rental investment

The "Jeanbrun" scheme, in its two versions (new and renovated old), marks a structural evolution of the market:

• New: It regulates rents while integrating new environmental constraints (RE2020), thus ensuring the sustainability of investments.
• Former: It encourages the transformation of the existing stock, with a strong fiscal and heritage lever, contributing to the energy transition.

According to Martin Noël, co-founder and CEO of Lokimo: “We are witnessing a paradigm shift. Initiatives like Jeanbrun, particularly in renovated older buildings, are paving the way for a more sophisticated and sustainable strategy.”

A new analytical framework for investors

This study highlights a major shift: gross yield becomes secondary, net profitability and taxation become central, and location remains crucial. In this context:

• Loc'Avantages responds to a logic of security.
• Denormandie supports urban revitalization.
• Jeanbrun stands out as an advanced optimization tool, particularly in renovated older buildings.

Decision support in a changing market

Faced with a complex environment (rates, regulations, energy requirements), this study offers a clear, quantified and operational reading of the most relevant strategies for 2026.

Methodology :

This study is based on rental yield simulations to 2026, using public data (French Ministry of Economy and Finance, INSEE) and Lokimo's proprietary models. The calculations incorporate acquisition prices, market or regulated rents (depending on the scheme), as well as associated taxes and charges. The results are standardized across a panel of 10 cities to ensure comparability of the analyzed schemes.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.