Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Denmark Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Copenhagen's property market is included in our pack
If you're exploring rental property investments in Copenhagen, you're probably wondering what kind of returns you can realistically expect in 2026.
We've gathered and analyzed fresh data from official Danish sources and professional market research to give you clear, reliable yield estimates.
This blog post is constantly updated as new data becomes available, so you're always looking at the latest numbers.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
Insights
- Copenhagen's gross rental yields average around 3.6% in early 2026, which is noticeably lower than many European capitals because property prices have surged faster than rents over the past year.
- The gap between Copenhagen's highest-yield and lowest-yield neighborhoods can reach 2.5 percentage points, meaning location choices directly impact your annual returns by thousands of kroner.
- Studios and one-bedroom apartments in Copenhagen often deliver gross yields between 3.7% and 4.8%, outperforming larger units on a per-square-meter basis due to strong demand from singles and students.
- Copenhagen's vacancy rate sits at just 1.5% to 2.5% for private rentals, making it one of the tightest rental markets in Northern Europe and reducing income gaps between tenants.
- Net yields in Copenhagen typically drop to around 2.3% after accounting for property taxes, maintenance reserves, and management fees, which together consume roughly 1.3 percentage points of gross returns.
- High-yield neighborhoods like Nordvest, Valby, and Brønshøj-Husum can offer gross yields approaching 5%, but they require accepting trade-offs like older building stock or longer commute times.
- Copenhagen landlords should budget 0.6% to 1.2% of property value annually for maintenance and repairs, especially given the city's older apartment stock and shared building systems.
What are the rental yields in Copenhagen as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential property in Copenhagen sits at approximately 3.6% per year when you mix all property types together.
Most typical rental properties in Copenhagen fall within a gross yield range of 3.0% to 4.5%, with the exact figure depending heavily on neighborhood and unit size.
This Copenhagen average is notably lower than Denmark's broader market because the capital's property prices have accelerated much faster than rents, especially during 2025.
The single biggest factor pushing Copenhagen yields down right now is the city's extremely strong price growth, which has outpaced rent increases and mechanically compressed returns for new buyers.
What's the average net rental yield in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for residential property in Copenhagen is approximately 2.3% per year after accounting for all recurring ownership costs.
The typical gap between gross and net yields in Copenhagen runs about 1.3 percentage points, which represents a significant chunk of your returns disappearing into various expenses.
Property taxes are the expense category that most significantly reduces gross yield in Copenhagen, with the combined property value tax and land tax often consuming 0.4% to 0.9% of property value annually.
Most standard investment properties in Copenhagen deliver net yields between 1.8% and 3.2%, with the wide range reflecting differences in tax burden, maintenance needs, and whether you use professional management.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Denmark compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What yield is considered "good" in Copenhagen in 2026?
In Copenhagen's competitive 2026 market, a gross rental yield of 4.5% or higher is generally considered good by local investors, though achieving this typically means looking outside the most prestigious central areas.
The threshold separating average properties from high performers sits around that 4.5% gross mark, and anything above 5% is considered exceptional but usually comes with trade-offs like smaller unit sizes, more tenant turnover, or locations further from the city center.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields across Copenhagen neighborhoods commonly vary by 1.5 to 2.5 percentage points, which translates to a substantial difference in annual income on properties of similar value.
The highest-yield neighborhoods in Copenhagen tend to be areas with moderate prices but strong renter demand, such as Nordvest, Valby, Vanløse, Brønshøj-Husum, and parts of Amagerbro, where gross yields often reach 3.8% to 5.0%.
The lowest-yield neighborhoods are Copenhagen's prestige addresses like Indre By, Frederiksberg C, prime Østerbro streets, and waterfront developments in Nordhavn, where gross yields typically compress to 2.5% to 3.3%.
The main reason yields vary so dramatically across Copenhagen is that purchase prices in premium areas have climbed steeply while rents face affordability ceilings, so buyers pay a lifestyle premium that dilutes their rental returns.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Copenhagen.
How much do yields vary by property type in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields in Copenhagen range from approximately 3.0% for mid-sized family apartments to nearly 4.8% for well-located studios, showing meaningful variation based on property type.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments currently deliver the highest average gross yields in Copenhagen, typically falling between 3.7% and 4.8%, driven by strong demand from singles, students, and young professionals.
Two to three-bedroom family apartments tend to deliver the lowest gross yields in Copenhagen, usually around 3.0% to 4.0%, because their higher purchase prices are not fully offset by proportionally higher rents.
The key reason yields differ between property types in Copenhagen is that smaller units command a significant rent premium per square meter while larger units see that premium diluted, even though they offer more stable occupancy.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for private rental properties in Copenhagen sits at approximately 1.5% to 2.5%, indicating an extremely tight market where most units find tenants quickly.
Vacancy rates across Copenhagen neighborhoods range from near-zero in high-demand central areas to around 3% in some outer districts with newer supply, though even the higher end remains low by international standards.
The main factor keeping Copenhagen vacancy rates so low is persistent undersupply of housing relative to population growth and strong demand from students, young professionals, and international workers.
Copenhagen's vacancy rate is significantly tighter than Denmark's national average and ranks among the lowest in Northern Europe, reflecting the capital's unique combination of economic dynamism and constrained housing supply.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent-to-price ratio in Copenhagen is approximately 0.30% per month, which means monthly rent equals roughly 0.30% of the property's purchase price.
For buy-to-let investors in Copenhagen, a rent-to-price ratio above 0.35% monthly (or 4.2% annually) is generally considered favorable, and this ratio is simply another way of expressing the gross rental yield.
Copenhagen's rent-to-price ratio is lower than most comparable European capitals because the city's property prices have surged dramatically while rents, though rising, have not kept pace with purchase costs.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Denmark. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods and micro-areas in Copenhagen give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three highest-yield neighborhoods in Copenhagen are Nordvest, Valby, and Brønshøj-Husum, all of which offer significantly better returns than the city center while still benefiting from solid renter demand.
These top-performing areas typically deliver gross rental yields in the 3.8% to 5.0% range, with Nordvest and Brønshøj-Husum often reaching the upper end of that spectrum for well-priced units.
The main characteristic these high-yield Copenhagen areas share is moderate purchase prices combined with strong demand from renters seeking affordable housing with reasonable transit connections to the city center.
You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three lowest-yield neighborhoods in Copenhagen are Indre By, Frederiksberg C, and prime Østerbro streets, where buyers pay substantial lifestyle premiums that compress rental returns.
These prestige areas typically deliver gross rental yields in the 2.5% to 3.3% range, making them significantly less attractive than outer districts for investors focused primarily on cash flow.
Yields are compressed in these Copenhagen areas because purchase prices have soared due to lifestyle demand and limited supply, while rents face practical affordability limits that prevent them from rising proportionally.
Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Copenhagen.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the lowest residential vacancy rates in Copenhagen are Nørrebro, Vesterbro, and Østerbro, where units rarely sit empty for more than a few days between tenants.
These low-vacancy areas typically experience vacancy rates below 1.5%, sometimes approaching zero in the most desirable micro-locations near transit hubs and universities.
The main demand driver keeping vacancy low in these Copenhagen neighborhoods is their combination of excellent public transit, proximity to universities and employment centers, and vibrant local amenities that attract young professionals and students.
The trade-off investors face when targeting these low-vacancy areas is that the same desirability factors that ensure consistent occupancy also drive up purchase prices, which typically compresses gross yields below the city average.
Which areas have the most renter demand in Copenhagen right now?
The three neighborhoods currently experiencing the strongest renter demand in Copenhagen are Nørrebro, Vesterbro, and Frederiksberg, where rental listings often receive multiple inquiries within hours of posting.
The renter profile driving most demand in these areas is young professionals aged 25 to 35, students attending nearby universities, and international workers relocating to Copenhagen for tech and professional service jobs.
Rental listings in these high-demand Copenhagen neighborhoods typically get filled within one to two weeks, with desirable units in prime micro-locations sometimes finding tenants within just a few days.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Copenhagen.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most significant projects expected to boost rents in Copenhagen are the continued Nordhavn waterfront development, the Sydhavn regeneration momentum, and ongoing metro line extensions improving connectivity to outer districts.
The neighborhoods most likely to benefit from these projects are Nordhavn and eastern Østerbro for the waterfront development, Sydhavn for the harbor regeneration, and areas like Valby and Vanløse as metro accessibility improves their appeal.
Investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5% to 15% in directly affected neighborhoods once these projects reach completion phases, though the timing will vary by specific location and project milestones.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Copenhagen here.
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What property type should I buy for renting in Copenhagen as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in Copenhagen, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and one-bedroom apartments generally outperform larger units in Copenhagen when measuring rental yield and occupancy rates, making them the go-to choice for yield-focused investors.
Studios in Copenhagen typically deliver gross yields of 3.7% to 4.8% (approximately 25,000 to 33,000 DKK, 3,400 to 4,500 USD, or 3,200 to 4,200 EUR annually per million DKK invested), while two to three-bedroom units usually yield 3.0% to 4.0%.
The main factor explaining why smaller units outperform in Copenhagen is the strong demand from singles, students, and young professionals who prioritize location over space, which allows landlords to charge premium rents per square meter.
However, larger two-bedroom units become the better investment choice in Copenhagen when targeting families or couples seeking stability, as these tenants tend to stay longer and reduce turnover costs that can erode net yields on smaller units.
What property types are in most demand in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type in Copenhagen is the modern one-bedroom apartment with good transit access, which consistently attracts the largest pool of qualified tenants.
The top three property types ranked by current tenant demand in Copenhagen are: first, studios and one-bedrooms near metro stations; second, two-bedroom apartments in family-friendly areas; and third, modern apartments in newly developed neighborhoods like Ørestad.
The primary demographic trend driving this demand pattern is Copenhagen's growing population of young professionals and international workers who prioritize convenience and transit access over living space, combined with couples delaying having children.
Large detached houses in outer suburbs are currently underperforming in rental demand and will likely remain so, as Copenhagen's rental market is dominated by tenants who want urban convenience rather than suburban space.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, units in the 25 to 50 square meter range deliver the best gross rental yield per square meter in Copenhagen, particularly when located near transit lines or university areas.
These optimally-sized units typically generate gross yields of approximately 3.8% to 4.5% (around 2,600 to 3,100 DKK, 355 to 425 USD, or 330 to 395 EUR per square meter annually), outperforming both smaller micro-units and larger family apartments.
Smaller micro-units under 25 square meters have regulatory and livability constraints that limit rent growth, while larger units above 50 square meters see their rent premium diluted because tenants have budget limits regardless of space, which explains why the middle range performs best in Copenhagen.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Copenhagen.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Denmark versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What costs cut my net yield in Copenhagen as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax burden for a typical rental apartment in Copenhagen ranges from approximately 15,000 to 35,000 DKK (2,050 to 4,800 USD, or 1,900 to 4,450 EUR), depending on the property's assessed value and land component.
Beyond property taxes, Copenhagen landlords must also budget for building association fees, which vary widely but often add another 12,000 to 36,000 DKK (1,650 to 4,900 USD, or 1,525 to 4,575 EUR) annually for apartments in older buildings with shared maintenance obligations.
Together, these taxes and fees typically represent 8% to 15% of gross rental income in Copenhagen, making them a significant factor that landlords must account for when calculating realistic net yields.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Copenhagen right now?
Annual landlord insurance for a typical rental property in Copenhagen costs approximately 2,000 to 5,000 DKK (275 to 685 USD, or 255 to 635 EUR), depending on coverage level and property characteristics.
Copenhagen landlords should budget 0.6% to 1.2% of property value annually for maintenance and repairs, which translates to roughly 18,000 to 48,000 DKK (2,450 to 6,550 USD, or 2,290 to 6,100 EUR) for a typical 4 million DKK apartment.
The repair expense that most commonly catches Copenhagen landlords off guard is shared building system failures like heating, plumbing, or elevator repairs, which can trigger special assessments from the building association on top of regular reserves.
In total, Copenhagen landlords should realistically budget 20,000 to 55,000 DKK (2,725 to 7,500 USD, or 2,540 to 7,000 EUR) annually for the combined cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Copenhagen right now?
In Copenhagen, tenants typically pay most utilities directly, including electricity, heating consumption, and water, though landlords may cover common-area electricity or bundle certain services depending on the rental contract and building setup.
When landlords do cover utilities in Copenhagen, the monthly cost typically runs 500 to 1,500 DKK (70 to 205 USD, or 65 to 190 EUR) for common-area electricity and any bundled services, though this varies significantly by building type and contract terms.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, full-service property management in Copenhagen typically costs 6% to 10% of collected rent monthly (approximately 600 to 1,500 DKK, 82 to 205 USD, or 76 to 190 EUR for a typical apartment), with pricing varying by service level and portfolio size.
On top of ongoing management, Copenhagen property managers typically charge a one-time leasing or tenant-placement fee equivalent to two to four weeks of rent (roughly 8,000 to 20,000 DKK, 1,090 to 2,730 USD, or 1,015 to 2,540 EUR), though some bundle this into their monthly fee structure.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Copenhagen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Copenhagen landlords should set aside approximately 3% to 5% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, even though the market is tight, to account for turnover, cleaning, and minor repairs between tenants.
This buffer translates to roughly two to three weeks of vacancy per year for most Copenhagen rental properties, with studios and one-bedrooms trending toward the higher end due to more frequent tenant turnover.
Buying real estate in Copenhagen can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Copenhagen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Denmark - Rent indices | It's Denmark's official statistics agency with transparent definitions and verifiable coverage. | We used the rent index to anchor early 2026 rent levels to official rent inflation trends. We cross-checked private estimates to ensure consistency with official dynamics. |
| Statistics Denmark - Housing stock | It's the official count of Denmark's housing stock, including occupancy data. | We used it to ground the discussion of vacancy and supply tightness in Copenhagen. We also used it to explain why apartments dominate Copenhagen's investable market. |
| Statistics Denmark - Energy prices | It's an official source for household electricity and gas prices in Denmark. | We used it to estimate landlord-exposed utility costs in bundled billing situations. We also used it as a reality check against anecdotal utility cost claims. |
| Danmarks Nationalbank | Denmark's central bank provides policy-grade analysis on housing market conditions and risk. | We used it to frame what's unique about Copenhagen's price acceleration versus the rest of Denmark. We also used it to justify why yields are structurally lower in the core. |
| Boligsiden - Market Index | It's a major Danish housing portal publishing a consistent market index with clear methodology. | We used Copenhagen's December 2025 price per square meter as our main price input for yield calculations. We triangulated it with other datasets to avoid single-source reliance. |
| Association of Danish Mortgage Banks | It's an industry body publishing structured, queryable housing statistics by area and property type. | We used it to cross-check price levels by area and property category. We also used it to support price differences between apartments and houses. |
| City of Copenhagen | It's published by the municipality for residents and reflects local market reality. | We used it as an anchor for typical monthly rents in Copenhagen. We triangulated it with professional research rent levels for yield calculations. |
| Copenhagen Statistics Bank | It's the municipality's own statistics platform with neighborhood-level breakdowns. | We used it to support neighborhood discussions and keep examples grounded in real local geographies. We used it as our map for naming Copenhagen districts consistently. |
| SKAT - Danish Tax Agency | It's the official tax authority explaining how housing taxes work in Denmark. | We used it to define the recurring owner taxes that affect net yield. We kept the explanation focused on what landlords actually pay annually. |
| Borger.dk | It's Denmark's official citizen portal designed to explain rules clearly and accurately. | We used it to cross-check tax calculation mechanics. We used it to translate tax concepts into landlord-friendly budgeting lines. |
| Vurderingsstyrelsen | It's the valuation authority communicating 2026 tax implementation details. | We used it to ensure our January 2026 tax context matches what owners are seeing. We used it as a recency check that rules haven't changed. |
| HOFOR | It's the main local utility setting tariffs for water, heat, and gas in Greater Copenhagen. | We used it to estimate Copenhagen-specific utility costs where relevant to landlords. We also used it to explain why utilities are usually tenant-paid. |
| OECD Affordable Housing Database | It's an international organization compiling comparable housing indicators with clear methodology notes. | We used it to benchmark Denmark's vacancy environment versus other countries. We used it as a macro check rather than the main Copenhagen vacancy number. |
| Global Property Guide | It's a long-running international dataset with consistent methodology and frequent updates. | We used it as a triangulation point for gross yield ranges. We cross-checked it against Copenhagen rent and price inputs from Danish sources. |
| Savills - Copenhagen Research | It's a top global real-estate consultancy with formal research standards. | We used it to explain what's structurally unique in Copenhagen including undersupply and development pipeline. We used those fundamentals to interpret neighborhood yield differences. |
| Savills Denmark | It's a major consultancy publishing Denmark-specific insights using local investor terminology. | We used it to triangulate investment yield expectations around Copenhagen. We used it to define what locals typically call a good yield in early 2026. |
| CEJ Ejendomsadministration | It's a professional property management company with direct market experience in Copenhagen. | We used their market vacancy commentary to support our tight-market baseline. We validated turnover and occupancy patterns against their operational insights. |
| DEAS | It's one of Denmark's largest property administrators with over 30 years of experience. | We used their service model to benchmark Copenhagen property management costs. We validated fee structures against market norms for individual landlords. |
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