Europe’s strongest buy-to-let opportunities are no longer concentrated in its most prestigious capitals, according to new data that highlights a clear shift in rental investment patterns across the eurozone.

Analysis compiled by Global Property Guide, supported by figures from local property portals including Idealista, Fotocasa, Immobiliare.it and Daft, shows that some of the highest rental yields in 2026 are being generated in lower-cost regional cities, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe. Traditional markets such as Paris, Amsterdam and Munich, where property values have long been driven by capital appreciation, are notably absent from the top rankings for rental income efficiency.

The data measures gross rental yield, defined as annual rent divided by purchase price before taxes and costs, revealing where landlords earn the strongest returns relative to entry price.

At the top of the eurozone list is Catania in Italy, where average yields reach 9.17%. A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around €70,000 and rents for €650 per month, while smaller studios can generate returns of up to 12%, the highest recorded in the survey. Proximity to Sicily’s tourist hubs, including Taormina, continues to support short-term rental demand.

Palermo follows closely, offering an average yield of 8.25%. One-bedroom homes priced at about €85,000 generate nearly 10% returns, supported by low purchase costs and steady rental demand.

Cork in Ireland ranks third at 8.20%, benefiting from expanding pharmaceutical and technology sectors. Jyväskylä in Finland delivers 8.02%, driven by strong student demand and relatively low property prices in a university-heavy city.

Turin, once Italy’s industrial powerhouse, records an average yield of 7.68%, with lower-cost districts delivering double-digit returns. Riga in Latvia follows at 7.47%, where weak capital growth contrasts with strong rental income potential.

Barcelona and Naples are tied at 7.40% and 7.22% respectively. Barcelona’s market remains constrained by limited rental supply and high demand from students, tourists and remote workers, while Naples offers standout yields in smaller units, with some studios producing returns above 12%.

Dublin also records 7.22%, supported by severe housing shortages that continue to drive high rents relative to purchase prices. Rome closes the top ten with 7.12%, although yields vary significantly between luxury central districts and outer residential areas.

In Rome’s historic centre, high purchase prices compress returns, while outer districts offer more competitive income ratios. Similar contrasts are visible across other major capitals, where prestige locations often underperform compared to secondary neighbourhoods.

Market analysts say affordability and demographic demand are now key drivers of rental performance. “Affordable apartments are increasingly difficult to find in major cities, while demand remains strong,” said one analyst cited in the data.

The findings point to a structural shift in European property investment, where income-focused landlords are moving away from high-value capitals toward smaller, high-yield markets with stronger rental fundamentals and lower entry costs.

Goldman Sachs has reportedly secured the lead underwriting role for the anticipated stock market debut of SpaceX, a move that signals preparations are accelerating for what could become the largest initial public offering in history.

According to sources cited by CNBC, the aerospace and artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk is expected to move ahead with a public listing later this year at a valuation of at least $1.25 trillion.

Such a valuation would place SpaceX among the world’s most valuable publicly traded companies immediately after listing, potentially ranking ahead of Tesla, another company led by Musk.

The planned flotation is also expected to further boost Musk’s personal fortune and could make him the first person to reach trillionaire status, according to market analysts.

Reports suggest the company is considering an unusual structure for the offering that would reserve a significant portion of shares for individual investors. SpaceX is said to be exploring plans to allocate as much as 30 percent of IPO shares to retail buyers, a move that would give smaller investors broader access to one of the most highly anticipated stock offerings in recent years.

Large technology IPOs are typically dominated by institutional investors such as hedge funds and pension firms, making the proposed retail allocation notable within the investment industry.

Analysts said much of SpaceX’s valuation growth has been driven by its satellite internet business, Starlink, which has rapidly expanded its global subscriber base and established a recurring revenue stream.

The company also increased its exposure to artificial intelligence earlier this year through an all-stock deal involving xAI, another Musk-controlled business. The transaction reportedly valued SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion, creating a combined private valuation of $1.25 trillion.

The expected listing comes at a time when global IPO markets are beginning to recover after several years of weak activity caused by higher interest rates and volatility in technology stocks.

Recent enthusiasm around AI-related firms has revived investor appetite for major public offerings. Last week, AI chipmaker Cerebras Systems debuted on the Nasdaq and ended trading with a valuation near $95 billion, strengthening expectations for more large-scale technology listings in 2026.

For Goldman Sachs, landing the lead role in the SpaceX offering would represent one of the most prestigious deals in modern Wall Street history. Competition among major investment banks for high-profile technology listings has intensified as firms seek to secure lucrative underwriting fees and strengthen relationships with fast-growing AI and technology companies.

Neither SpaceX nor Goldman Sachs has publicly confirmed the reports.