The North West of England has seen a student property investment surge that
has increased by 8% year-on-year, research reveals.
The findings from Mistoria Group highlights that international investors,
as well as UK-based investors, have been increasingly attracted by the
potential returns that student property in the North West can deliver.
The firm’s managing director, Mish Liyanage, said: “We have seen an
increase over the last 12 months in international investors’ appetite for
student accommodation.
“They are attracted to the relatively low-cost student property on offer in
the UK and the excellent net yields in the North West that can range from
12% to 15%.”
He added that since higher education has a worldwide demand from students,
the UK’s universities are offering some of the best available courses to
attract students.
Pushes up student housing demand
This means, he says, that cities and towns with universities are seeing
demand rising for these places which then pushes up student housing demand.
Mr Liyanage added: “Student property investments, including HMOs, offer
investors an excellent return on investment.”
Their research reveals that the largest source of overseas investment in
student property in the North West was from Turkey, which accounted for 20%
of the total, followed by the UAE with 14% and Hong Kong investors with
11%.
Most students want to return to campus
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that nearly nine out of 10 students went to
return to campus this year.
The research has been carried out by student accommodation provider Unite
Students with researchers questioning 500 students and also 500 parents.
They found that 89% of students want to return to campus if it is safe to
do so.
The survey also reveals that 79% of students say that being on campus and
living away from home is a crucial part of their university experience.
The firm’s chief executive, Richard Smith, said: “The survey results
confirm that independence and social skills that university provides are
valued hugely by students.
“We have reviewed our ways of operating in response to the pandemic and
will support students who choose to live with us to enjoy and get the most
of their university experience.”
The director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, Nick Herman, said
the survey reveals that higher education institutions, as well as students,
are keen to return and the sector must implement the right measures for
this to take place.
He added: “It’s vital that institutions, accommodation providers and
support services work together to ensure the next academic year is
rewarding for all concerned.”
