The student property market is one of the UK’s most lucrative assets, with the purpose-built student accommodation market being worth £45.8 billion.
The student population of the UK is around 2,317,300, and with £4.7 billion worth of student property developments in store, now is the perfect time to get on board and take advantage of the student property market. Take a look at this guide with tips on some of the best cities to consider for student property investments.
Liverpool
As of 2018, Liverpool is considered a UK property investment hotspot and one of the best student cities in the UK. Home to major universities like the University Of Liverpool, John Moore’s University, Liverpool Hope University, and Edge Hill University just a train ride away down in Ormskirk, Liverpool sees plenty of students flock to the city year after year to take advantage of everything the city has to offer.
Liverpool is not only famous for its academic offerings, but it’s also one of the most dynamic cities in the country, with lively nightlife, fantastic leisure and amenities, and a rich cultural background. Demand for student property is increasingly high in Liverpool, partly due to the changing attitudes of students seeking more high-end accommodation rather than the grotty housing options offered in the past. Those who choose to invest in student property in Liverpool can expect much more affordable properties than they would in London, with higher rental yields of 5 per cent on average, whilst certain postcodes can reach as high as 11.79 per cent.
Manchester
Boasting the UK’s largest single-site university, the University Of Manchester, along with a range of other reputable institutions, Manchester is one of the most popular cities for students. A total of around 85,000 students reside in the city, which means the demand for quality accommodation is always high. A large number of students in Manchester are also choosing to stay in the city after they’ve graduated, resulting in some high student retention rates.
Manchester is known to attract a large number of overseas students, with around 5,135 international students moving to the city in 2016. This is a number that’s predicted to grow further over the years, and it’s good news for investors. A majority of the more affluent foreign students are prepared to spend more on rental costs for accommodation that meets their needs, bringing some high rental returns for investors. All in all, when it comes to student property investment, Manchester is another key city to focus on, with affordable purchase prices, high rental yields, and strong potential all around. Property investment company RW Invest recognise this appeal of the North when it comes to property investment, providing stylish and well-located student accommodation in Liverpool and Manchester.
Leeds
Leeds is another city that could be considered a hotspot for student investments. The student population in Leeds is growing massively, attracting budding scholars from around the UK and overseas. Around 70,000 students currently make up the population of the cities many institutions, with Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity, and the University Of Leeds amongst the most notable.
The large population of students in the city is not the only reason why student property investment could be a good route to take in Leeds, as the city also has plenty of potential for capital growth. The Northern Powerhouse is an initiative that aims to improve the key Northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds. New projects underway under this initiative include Northern Powerhouse Rail, which makes transport easier and more efficient and improves connectivity between the cities of the North. With a bright future ahead, investing in Leeds student property is a smart move for 2018 and in the future.
