RESIDENTIALlettings

created their own accommodation brands, funds and joint venture partnerships unlocking the expertise and private finance needed by the universities to refurbish ageing housing stock. Philip Evans of Pex Software has been

working with agents and landlords to help increase the yield of student portfolios by earning additional revenue from tenants and creating efficiencies to reduce costs. Accommodation buildings are supplied

with robust broadband services that can provide back up student work, online gaming, content, movies and music on demand. Students can access a broader range of services via extranets (secure, profiled views as used when you book an airline ticket) to order transport, housekeeping activities, maintenance requests and pay bills and rent online. Working with the UNITE Group, Pex

has been developing new ways of supporting students in disparate buildings with regional service centres and mobile response teams. Innovations include self administered inventories, online booking, access solutions, online agreements and card based rental collection. With the right software and infrastructure it’s possible to provide care whilst maintaining the relationship between landlord and tenant. The level of investment in residential

property made by institutional investors in mainland Europe is far higher than in the UK (30 per cent as opposed to 2 per cent) so there is plenty of opportunity for money to flow if the market and its operators can deliver the opportunities.

tHe traDitiOnal StUDent HOUSe

Where does this leave the traditional student landlord and his traditional local letting agent? Well, possibly, out in the cold. There will, almost certainly, always be a demand for independent, small scale housing – even the most spoilt of students, with their demands for luxuries and services never imagined by students in previous decades, still crave independence and freedom. But many will see security, comfort and easy living in these new high tech student pads. Are landlords and agents supplying

properties that match the needs, desires and indeed, demands of today’s (and tomorrow’s) students? A brief look at the portals shows that

student lets are, largely, as they have been for the last 10 years, ie, better than they were 30 years ago but not luxurious. Some do seem frighteningly expensive, a 7 bed

their first student homes and the challenges of HMO licensing and safety regulations haven’t discouraged her. On one recently completed development, Premier applied for and was granted HMO licences on two beautiful modern townhouses, which are now successfully let to students, more will follow. In these Oxford homes students live very

happily with all ‘mod-cons’ including broadband, burglar alarm, fully fitted kitchen with washer and dryer and dishwasher. They are furnished to a high standard they attract young people who are used to home comforts. Jan told PROPERTYdrum, “When we

Top and centre: Student homes from Unite Bottom: Swish student home in Oxford

‘Some students end up living in poor quality accommodation

and we need legislation so every property is fit to let and every landlord and their agent is fit to let!’

jan bartlett Premier

house in Brighton is priced at £2882 pcm – £411 per month each (if they wanted their own rooms). It looks clean, has two bathrooms and is basically furnished. The only special fitment mentioned is a hot tub. One letting agent with a more dynamic

attitude towards the student market is Jan Bartlett whose agency, Premier, is based in Oxford, a city with a major demand for student accommodation. With 35 years of experience in letting all types of property, including multi-occupied homes, Jan knows all about the changing needs of students. Many years ago she pioneered talks to sixth form students advising them of their rights and the dangers of renting

released our student ‘Available List’ in the last month of 2009 these houses were among the first to be let – at rents around £400 per tenant, per month. If landlords take on board that providing quality accommodation makes the property the most attractive in the market place, they present the houses well and ensure the gardens are tidy and attractive, it helps in the quest to continually upgrade accommodation for students and improve the relationship between the tenants and their neighbours.” This is a different type of HMO, a world

away from the stereotypical hovel. “The local authority is comfortable with quality properties in multiple occupation and if students insist on quality they will help those of us fighting to increase standards across the board to achieve our goal and drive out the bad landlords and agents.” In Oxford, as with all major university

cities, an air of panic prevails around the end of November. “Everyone thinks if they don’t grab the first house they are offered, come August they will have nowhere to live. Hence some students end up living in poor quality accommodation and this highlights yet again the need to have legislation in place whereby every property is fit to let and every landlord or their agent is fit to let!” says Jan. The market is there, as Premier’s

business proves. The competition from institutions is there. Will more letting agents join the upgraded student market? Let PROPERTYdrum know about your innovations in student letting.

Pex Software – www.pexsoftware.com Jan Bartlett – www.premieroxford.co.uk Unite - www.unite-students.com

This article is online – so add your comments

www.propertydrum.com/articles/studentmar

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