Rent observatory

Montpellier rent observatory 2026

Data-driven analysis of Montpellier's 2026 rent-control schedule: average reference rents by sector and construction period, furnished/unfurnished gap, ceilings. All figures are taken from the prefectural decree in force.

Key figures

€13.70/m² Average reference rent
€9.70/m² Lowest reference rent
€21.40/m² Highest reference rent
5 Rate sectors
+9.0 % Average furnished premium

Average reference rent by sector

Average reference rents (unfurnished) across all construction periods and dwelling types, by geographic sector. From the most to the least expensive sector.

  • Zone 01 €14.83/m² increased €17.79/m²
  • Zone 02 €14.26/m² increased €17.12/m²
  • Zone 03 €13.65/m² increased €16.38/m²
  • Zone 04 €13.34/m² increased €16.01/m²
  • Zone 05 €12.42/m² increased €14.89/m²

Average reference rent by construction period

Average reference rents (unfurnished) across all sectors, by the dwelling's construction period.

  • Before 1946 €13.55/m²
  • 1946-1970 €13.44/m²
  • 1971-1990 €13.39/m²
  • 1991-2005 €14.08/m²
  • After 2005 €14.04/m²

Average reference rent by sector and period

Reference rents in €/m² (unfurnished), averaged over dwelling types. Each cell crosses a sector and a construction period.

Sector Before 19461946-19701971-19901991-2005After 2005
Zone 01 15.1014.5014.5815.0014.98
Zone 02 14.0814.1514.0514.6814.33
Zone 03 13.3813.4313.3314.0814.05
Zone 04 13.3313.0013.2213.3813.78
Zone 05 11.8812.1511.7513.2713.05

Source : Arrêté préfectoral N° DDTM34-2026-06-17135 du 9 juin 2026.

Methodology

The figures in this observatory are computed from Montpellier's official reference-rent schedule, set by prefectural decree (Arrêté préfectoral N° DDTM34-2026-06-17135 du 9 juin 2026). Averages are on the reference rent excluding charges, expressed in euros per square metre of living area, for unfurnished dwellings — the most representative market indicator.

The reference rent depends on the geographic sector, the number of rooms, the construction period and whether the dwelling is furnished. The increased reference rent (base ceiling, usually +20%) and the reduced reference rent frame the rent of a listed dwelling. These amounts are mandatory mentions in the lease.

These averages are indicative, to compare sectors and track the market. The exact ceiling for a specific dwelling is computed from its address: use our rent-control simulator. Check my dwelling's ceiling in Montpellier.

FAQ

What is the average reference rent in Montpellier?

In 2026, the average reference rent (unfurnished) in Montpellier is €13.70/m², ranging from €9.70/m² to €21.40/m² depending on the sector, construction period and dwelling type.

Which is the most expensive sector in Montpellier?

The most expensive sector is "Zone 01" with an average reference rent of €14.83/m², versus €12.42/m² for the cheapest sector ("Zone 05").

Is furnished more expensive than unfurnished?

Yes: in Montpellier, the reference rent of a furnished dwelling is on average 9.0% higher than an equivalent unfurnished one.

Are these figures official?

Yes. They are computed from the reference-rent schedule set by prefectural decree (Arrêté préfectoral N° DDTM34-2026-06-17135 du 9 juin 2026). They are indicative averages: the exact ceiling of a dwelling depends on its address.