'Design to Let'
Many landlords hold their accommodation as ‘Buy to Let’ investments. As the student accommodation market gets more competitive, it’s time to consider ‘Designing to Let’ to really make your property stand out.
For most landlords, if your house isn’t already part of the Accreditation Scheme, then getting it accredited will be one of the best steps you can take to put your property at the forefront of students’ search for accommodation. Any of the local universities and colleges will be able to give you more details on how the Accreditation Scheme works. The rest of the advice on this leaflet provides general guidance on what you can do once you house is accredited to make it shine.
- Décor, carpets, and furniture should be clean and modern.
- Patterned carpets are ‘out’, neutral carpets or wooden floors are ‘in’;
- Pine furniture is generally preferable to black ash effect or dark coloured melamine furniture. Old / second-hand wardrobes really let a property down. Ikea-style furniture can really set off a property;
- Simple paint finishes are generally preferable to wallpaper. In most cases, a neutral colour will have broader appeal than bold colours.
- Remember the presentation of the outside of the property as well as the interior. The exterior appearance will often be the first thing prospective tenants will see, and where they will first start to make their judgements.
- Gardens should be tidy;
- If the exterior paintwork is looking ‘tired’ get it painted. If it’s looking rotten, prospective tenants will be put right off;
- Modern kitchens are appealing to tenants, and appliances such as tumble dryers and dishwashers are good selling points. Provision of a washing machine is now practically essential in student properties.
- Clean, modern, white bathroom suites are the order of the day.
- Double beds are more popular than single beds (where bedrooms will take them without seeming over-crowded).
- Students are increasingly asking whether properties are networked for broadband internet sharing in all rooms.
- Double glazing is a great selling point – not only do prospective tenants feel that it’s warmer than single glazing, many also look for it as a security feature.
- Good security, particularly security methods that are highly visible to prospective tenants, such as intruder alarms and automatic exterior lights.
- Where extra bathroom / shower-room / w.c. with wash-hand basin facilities can be provided without making other rooms too small, this can often be a selling point – with a number of student sharers all needing to get out to lectures at the same time it can make a big practical difference. En suite facilities are particularly popular.
The traditional student ‘dive’ of years-gone-by simply doesn’t appeal to the current generation of young people. A large proportion come from well-off backgrounds, and expect many of the creature comforts they are used to. Students are sophisticated consumers, looking for a high quality product, whether it’s the latest in technology and fashion, or a house to live in. Landlords who can forget their preconceptions of students’ tastes and think of what would make a nice environment for a group of young people sharing a house have a great opportunity to carve a successful niche in the market.
This page contains general advice and guidance, but you should always consider the specific situation relating to your property. Remember that where larger works are required, Planning Permission, Building Regulations approval, or similar may be required.
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