Anticipating retirement thanks to real estate: myth or reality?

When we talk about preparing for retirement, real estate always comes up in conversations. We often hear:

👉 “I buy a property now, and in retirement it will serve as an income supplement.”

But is it really that simple? Can one really count on real estate for retirement? Let’s take stock.

✅ What real estate really allows

1. A sustainable complementary income

Rental real estate allows regular rents to be generated, even once the credit is refunded. A studio apartment in the city, a shared flat, or a well-managed tourist accommodation can offer a long-term monthly income.

2. Protection against inflation

Unlike a fixed pension, rents can be revised every year. Your purchasing power is therefore better protected.

3. A tangible, transferable asset

A property can also be transferred to your children or resold to finance a project (senior residence, outbuilding, etc.).

⚠️ But beware of false beliefs

1. A poorly chosen investment can be expensive

Rental vacancy, bad location, undervalued rents... Not all investments are equal. Real estate is not risk-free.

2. Rental management can be restrictive

At retirement, we don’t necessarily want to manage complex work, unpaid bills, or tax returns.

3. Taxation can eat away at your profitability

Without anticipation (e.g. switching to LMP, taxation on capital gains, IFI...), real estate can become fiscally burdensome.

💡 Conclusion: a real strategy, not a default placement

Real estate can be an excellent tool to prepare for retirement, provided it is well supported and structured:

Choosing the right tax regime (LMNP, SCI...)

Optimization of debt during working life

Anticipation of the transmission or resale

👉 The myth is to think that real estate 'is enough on its own'.

👉 The reality is that it can become a real freedom... if it’s well prepared.