Lille is located in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, right near the border with Belgium. The area has great connections to the rest of Europe, with direct trains to Brussels, Amsterdam, and London. It's a big hub for business, culture, and universities and attracts lots of students from France and abroad each year.
The Lille real estate market
Rent prices for older homes in Lille mostly stay about the same, but that's not always true for newer properties, especially ones that were just built.
If you're looking to buy a property in Lille, older, traditional buildings usually cost between 3,000 and 5,000 euros per square meter. However, prices can vary quite a bit depending on the neighborhood and the number of rooms the property has.
According to real estate specialists, demand is particularly strong in the oldest part of the city, “Vieux Lille”. Prices in this area are significantly higher than in other areas, such as Vauban, or places further from the center, such as Wazemmes, Moulins, or Fives.
Lille's neighborhoods
The city of Lille covers an area of 34.51 square kilometers and has a population of 236,234 within the city limits (2020 figures according to the INSEE report published on February 2, 2024). There are 12 districts, two of which are in the historic center: Lille Centre and Vieux-Lille. They are followed by:
- Bois-Blancs;
- Vauban-Esquermes;
- Wazemmes;
- Lille Moulins;
- Faubourg de Béthune;
- Lille-Sud;
- Saint-Maurice Pellevoisin;
- Fives;
- Hellemmes (associated commune);
- Lomme (associated commune).
The picturesque center of Lille resembles Dutch and Belgian cities. It's fairly densely populated but home to many properties suitable for both singles and families.
For better deals, check out the neighborhoods farther from downtown. They're lively, peaceful, and affordable, with great public transit access. The Lille city website has tons of helpful info, including details on the different areas and support services provided by the local authorities.
South Lille
The south side of Lille is super crowded, but it's a great location – it's right near the CHRU, Eurasanté, and Jeanne-de-Flandre hospitals. It's a happening area that could be perfect for expats who want good job opportunities and housing that won't break the bank.
Bois-Blancs
Bois-Blancs is a neighborhood just west of downtown Lille that reflects the city's strong industrial history. As of 2020, around 9,000 people live there. It's a great area for families, with plenty of parks and green space, and it's surrounded by the Deûle River, so you get some nice views.
Fives
Fives used to be a major industrial area, but now it's mostly residential. The neighborhood has been hit hard by unemployment, but employment trends are positive, with some new projects in the works. In 2023, they launched a “Territoire Zéro Chômeur de Longue Durée” initiative to create jobs through a new employment-focused company, “Territoire d'Avenirs Fivois”. Sagim and Serl are also redeveloping an old industrial site in Lille-Fives.
Fives is reinventing itself and attracting a growing number of middle-class families, largely thanks to its affordable housing stock. The district is served by the metro.
Faubourg de Béthune
The district is split into three parts by the main roads running through it: Concorde, Vieux Faubourg, which has many single-family houses, and Verhaeren. Béthune has a diverse culture, and recently, they've been working on developing the area, like building new sports facilities.
Other Lille neighborhoods
Les Moulins is a student district and not particularly suitable for families. However, the area is extremely dynamic and has undergone continuous development, improving the quality of life in the neighborhood.
Les Moulins is more of a student area, so it's not the best for families. However, the neighborhood is super lively and has undergone continuous development, improving its quality of life.
Saint-Maurice Pellevoisin, located close to the city center, is a modern and economically dynamic district. It is also home to a housing stock dedicated to social mixing.
Vauban-Esquermes is mainly residential and home to the university district. It is ideal for family life, thanks in particular to its lush natural surroundings.
Wazemmes, Lille's second most densely populated district, is lively and multicultural. Numerous events are organized throughout the year.
Rent prices in Lille
Right now, rent prices in Lille are around 15 to 25 euros per square meter, but they vary depending on the neighborhood. Things like whether it's an apartment or house, when it was built, and whether it comes furnished also affect the cost.
For example, a furnished 20m² studio in downtown Lille costs between 400 and 550 euros, excluding utilities. An unfurnished 65m² three-room apartment in Lomme (Lille sector 4) will cost around 600 to 900 euros, excluding utilities. As for houses, rents range from 800 to over 1000 euros, again depending on the area, year of construction, etc.
The cost of living in Lille
In most cases, rent in Lille doesn't include utilities like electricity, gas, water, or condo fees. For an 85m² apartment, you're looking at around 100 euros a month for energy and water. The Internet will run you about 30 euros, but it depends on the provider. Some have good deals at certain times of the year.
In Lille, transport services are provided by the Ilevia network, which covers the entire Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL). A monthly pass for the general public costs 63 euros, or 31.50 euros if you're under 25. Your employer can cover 50 to 75% of the cost of your pass.
The cost of schooling for children depends on age and whether you choose a public or private, local or international establishment. To give you an idea, an international elementary school can cost from 5,000 euros to over 10,000 euros a year, while a public school is free.
Finding accommodation in Lille
If you're new to the city, it's a good idea to reach out to a real estate agency. The housing market in Lille is changing quickly, so if you plan to move there with your family, it helps to be well-informed. With such a large, fast-moving market, working with a professional realtor is the best way to find a home in Lille that fits your needs and budget.
You'll be able to describe your needs, your budget, whether you want to buy or rent, and the real estate agent will be able to offer you housing that suits your situation. There are many agencies throughout the city, but we can mention the following:
Feel free to browse the listings on their websites or contact them directly to see if they have homes that match your criteria.
Another good way to look for a home is to check out real estate sites like Le Bon Coin, Se Loger, or Paru Vendu. These sites list many houses and apartments for rent directly by owners, and many agencies post their listings there, too.
If you're in Lille and looking to buy a place, take some time to walk around the city and check out the houses and buildings. You'll often see “for sale” signs with the owner's or real estate agent's contact info, so you can just reach out to them directly.
Finding student accommodation in Lille
Lille is one of France's most popular cities for students, including foreign students. Because of that, there are tons of student housing options all over the city, including rooms, studios, apartments, and shared flats.
Student residences, also known as university residences, are very popular in France. Not only are they conveniently close to universities, but they're also super affordable, especially with the help of CROUS grants. International students can apply for a spot in these residences, too – just go to this website. On average, you can get a small 10m² apartment with a shared kitchen for around 240 euros per month at the CROUS rate.
Please note:
Places in CROUS residences are taken up quickly, so it's advisable to apply early.
For student housing, a shared apartment will cost about 450 euros a month on average. Studios cost around 490 euros, and one-bedrooms cost about 550 euros. Want an extra room? You can add another 100 euros. Just keep in mind that prices vary based on the neighborhood, the age of the building, the size of the place, and whether it's furnished or not.
Many students prefer to share their accommodation, both for the economic benefits and the conviviality of living in a community. You can search for a room in shared accommodation on La Carte des Colocs, Immojeunes (where you'll also find many other types of accommodation), Whoomies, or Appartager.
Short-stay accommodation in Lille
If you're planning a short trip to check out Lille, the city is set up to welcome tourists from all over the world. There are plenty of places to stay all over, no matter your budget, group size, or what kind of visit you're looking for.
Lille is packed with accommodations to suit every need and budget, from small family hotels to large luxury hotels, not to mention boat hotels, bed & breakfasts, youth hostels, and guest houses.
To easily find a place to stay that fits what you're looking for, the two most popular sites are Booking.com and Airbnb. They make searching simple, and you can find the best deals and widest selection, especially if you reserve well in advance. Just watch out for busy times like the holidays or the Grande Braderie de Lille festival in September. Gîtes de France is another great site for finding a short-term rental in Lille. You'll find both gîtes and chambres d'hôtes.
Buying property in Lille
If you're an expat living in France and want to make Lille your permanent home, why not look into buying a property? The good news is that foreigners can purchase property in France as long as they meet a few conditions. Lille is a lively city with a big university presence and a strong economy, so there's always demand for rentals, especially student accommodation. That means you shouldn't have any problem renting out your place or selling it later if you end up moving back home.
If you're an EU citizen living in France, buying property is no problem. Just remember that for a loan, you'll need to get documents requested by the bank, like birth certificates and foreign statements translated. Non-residents can buy property, too, but it's a bit trickier – a special department handles those cases, and the requirements are stricter. And if you're from outside the EU, you'll need a long-stay visa and French residence permit first.
Property prices in Lille vary depending on the size, type, number of rooms, and location. If you want to buy an apartment there, plan on spending between €2,500 and €5,600 per square meter, with prices differing depending on whether it's a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, or four-bedroom unit. For a house, prices run from around €2,600 to €4,400 per square meter.
Useful links:
Pages Jaunes – Real estate agencies in Lille
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