How to Calculate Your Airbnb Rental Yield in 2026

Before investing in a short-term rental property, one question matters above all others: how much will it actually earn? The answer lies in three calculations — gross yield, net yield and cash flow — that most investors confuse or skip. This guide explains each one with concrete examples from the Hauts-de-France market.

Step 1: Gross Yield

Formula: (Annual gross revenue ÷ Total acquisition cost) × 100

Example — Lens (35 sqm, purchased for €65,000):

• Monthly gross revenue: €950
• Annual gross revenue: €11,400
• Total acquisition cost: €65,000 + €6,000 notary fees = €71,000
• Gross yield: 11,400 ÷ 71,000 × 100 = 16.1%

Gross yield is a quick filter to compare properties. Aim for 8%+ in Hauts-de-France. Anything below 6% warrants serious scrutiny.

Step 2: Net Yield

Formula: ((Annual gross revenue − Annual costs) ÷ Total acquisition cost) × 100

Annual costs to include:

• Welqo management commission (20%): €2,280/year
• Property tax (taxe foncière): ~€600/year (Lens estimate)
• Co-ownership charges: ~€600/year
• PNO insurance (non-owner occupancy): ~€200/year
• Maintenance reserve (1% of value/year): ~€650/year
• Total annual costs: ~€4,330

Net yield: (11,400 − 4,330) ÷ 71,000 × 100 = 9.9%

A net yield above 7% in the Hauts-de-France market is excellent. For reference, long-term rental in the same area averages 4–5% net.

Step 3: Monthly Cash Flow

If you finance the purchase with a mortgage, cash flow is the indicator that matters most day-to-day.

Formula: Monthly gross revenue − Monthly costs − Monthly loan repayment

Example (€71,000 financed at 3.5% over 20 years):

• Monthly gross revenue: €950
• Monthly costs: €4,330 ÷ 12 = €361
• Monthly loan repayment: ~€410
• Monthly cash flow: 950 − 361 − 410 = +€179

A positive cash flow from day one is achievable in Hauts-de-France with the right property and professional management.

3 Errors to Avoid in Your Calculations

1. Using best-case revenue projections: Base your estimate on an occupancy rate of 65–70%, not 90%. Use low-season nightly rates, not event peaks.
2. Forgetting income tax: Airbnb revenue is taxable. Under the micro-BIC regime (recommended for revenues below €77,700/year), 50% of gross revenue is tax-exempt. Factor in your marginal rate on the remaining 50%.
3. Excluding refurbishment costs from the yield: If you spend €10,000 renovating the property, add that to your acquisition cost before calculating the yield.

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