How to prepare your student property for the new term

The next academic year is quickly approaching, meaning that now is the time for landlords to get their homes in order and secure good student tenants.

Over the coming weeks, students will search for accommodation that suits their needs throughout their academic journey.

Landlords who make the renting process easier for student tenants, incorporate the best services, and promote their home properly, can make the most of the current market.

Provide the right packages

As a student, there are certain facilities and equipment that are required to make the academic year a successful one.

Essentials are likely to include a workspace, plenty of plug points, and an internet connection, while a furnished home is probably going to be more appealing to student tenants than an unfurnished one – as they are likely to have less stuff to bring with them.

As a student landlord, it’s important to be aware that, while providing internet connection before the tenancy starts is not a legal requirement, this can boost the appeal to students as they spend much of their time studying at home or browsing the internet for entertainment purposes.

Landlords who include internet and TV packages could increase the level of interest they get from tenants. If the internet is particularly speedy, this should be highlighted in marketing advertisements.

Unihomes claim that students find internet connection ‘highly important’. Broadband speeds across UK universities already provide students with this and tenants will expect their accommodation to also be speedy.

The statistics show that 58% of students told UniHomes that they would not rent a property without high-speed broadband and 33% of students spend over five hours online each day to study.

Whether it’s music, TV shows, or films, students are more likely to stream their media online and therefore value a good internet connection.

Landlords who make access to these packages fast and hassle-free can gain a reputation as a reliable provider of student accommodation.

Promote the home effectively and make the tenancy flexible

Students tend to appreciate flexible housing options because of set periods to do with university terms and the back and forth between living at home.

Landlords who acknowledge this, and therefore allow more flexible move-in and move-out times, can help meet the demand of tenants for the next academic year.

When it comes to signing contracts, arranging move-ins, and deposit deductions, the process can be simpler if landlords are upfront at all times.

Through professional marketing of the home, the target audience can be made aware of the additional features the property includes from the start.

Switching marketing photos to more attractive ones and updating descriptions of the listing can help it to have more appeal to student tenants.

Good broadband is only one of many features that will help to secure a good tenancy, but it is an increasingly vital one. You should also ensure the property is clean and well-maintained for tenants to stand out among the crowd.

The value of student housing becomes more exciting for landlords during this time of year as there is an influx of students hoping to secure a property. According to IBISWorld’s statistics, in 2022 the market that focuses on student accommodation is worth some £4 billion. Compared to during 2021, this is an increase of 22.67%.

With a range of excellent universities for students to choose from, Scotland is popular among students and student landlords.

Here at Letting Solutions, West Lothian’s first dedicated lettings agency, we can guide you through all aspects of the lettings journey and can help you to get the most from your rental properties as a result. You can find out more about our  our current ways of working here.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us, even if you are not a current client. You can ring us on 01506 496006 where our team are waiting to help. Or you can email us at: rent@letting-solutions.co.uk