While there are several surveys published around the year about the best and worst student BTL areas for landlords to consider, the latest offering from Uswitch offers food for thought.
That’s because its survey, which considered the average house price and the student rent being paid per week, has found an unusual location to top its list.
The platform also considered the proportion of international and UK students who are renting privately and how much a landlord’s annual income is.
According to Uswitch, five of the best areas for student landlords to buy a property and rent it out to students are in Scotland.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland takes first place
Its calculations show that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCoS) in Glasgow takes first place as being the best buy to let opportunity.
However, it’s not the cheapest city with a university in which to buy property - average prices are just under £200,000 – but the data shows it should generate £180 a week, or £9,400 a year.
In second place is the University of Edinburgh where house prices are £125,000 dearer than the RCoS and where student landlords can enjoy an income of £222 a week, or £11,544 a year.
Researchers highlight that Edinburgh offers the second best amount for landlord earnings – though landlords with students at the University of Greenwich earn more.
But Greenwich doesn’t even make the top 10 because house prices are an average of £691,000 -that’s twice what they are in Edinburgh and landlords are only making £16 a week more than they would in the Scottish city.
First English university in the top 10
The first English university in the top 10 is the University of Cumbria in sixth place where landlords can earn just under £9,000 per year.
Here, the average house price is £147,000 and it is the second most affordable city in the country - after Teesside University where property will cost a landlord £144,000.
The survey also reveals that 53% of university students choose to rent privately, but international students have the lowest renting rates in the country at just 3%.
It’s a different situation for international students at London’s Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine where 51% of international students are renting privately. Imperial is in seventh place.
Again, landlords will be faced with an average house price of £691,000 - that’s four-and-a-half times more expensive than property in Carlisle and landlords only generate an extra £936 a year.
‘University towns and cities that have the potential of delivering great yields’
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: “This is an interesting survey because it highlights other university towns and cities that have the potential of delivering great yields and returns for landlords.
“We always stress that student landlords who offer quality and safe student accommodation will always have strong demand from potential tenants but the list of best student BTL areas for investment are certainly worth considering.”
The Uswitch top 10 best university BTL cities are:
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow
- University of Edinburgh
- Abertay University, Dundee
- Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
- The University of Glasgow
- University of Cumbria, Carlisle
- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
- Glyndŵr University, Wrexham
- The University of Lancaster
- Glasgow Caledonian University
The 10 worst BTL areas for renting to university students:
- Keele University
- Brunel University, London
- Oxford Brookes University
- Newman University, Birmingham
- London Metropolitan University
- The University of Surrey, Guildford
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
- Bath Spa University
- Harper Adams University, Newport
- University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham
Students go without food to save money
ITV News has revealed that one in four students say they go without food because of the cost-of-living crisis. They also say they can’t afford other necessities and the findings highlight the growing financial pressure that some university students are facing. The research, carried out by University College London, shows that students are also cutting back on nights out and socialising and some are considering quitting their course. The research shows that on average, a student has £50 per month left after paying for rent, food and bills. In response, Russell Group universities say they are boosting their support for students, subsidising food and offering financial help.
One in seven students is autistic or have ADHD
A new study reveals that one in seven university students say they are autistic or have ADHD. The findings from PBSA-provider Unite Students highlight that 14% of university applicants have autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after researchers questioned 2,000 applicants across the UK. Those who say they have issues also point to specific learning disabilities, including dyspraxia and dyslexia. Also, 52% of students say they have experienced depression recently, and 63% have experienced anxiety at some point in the last two years. Unite Students say the report provides valuable information to the PBSA and higher education sectors to help improve the experiences of neurodiverse students.
