W:
www.universitybusiness.co.uk | T: @UB_UK
Ask the expert
By Garry Bateman, Head of Technical Sales and Support, Forbo Flooring Systems
Q:
"BUY-FOR-RENT PROPERTY HAS LONG BEEN REGARDED AS A GOOD INVESTMENT BUT SO MANY LANDLORDS GET IT WRONG"
Although our campus is large, we still want an integrated and
cohesive design throughout our estate. How can the choice of fl ooring allow us to achieve this given the diff erent uses of the various buildings?
fl ooring functionalities are required and with universities often allowing their campuses to be used by the local community, fl ooring may have to be multi-functional. From safety fl ooring in commercial
A:
kitchens, to acoustic fl ooring in lecture theatres and static control fl ooring in server rooms, appropriate functionality is important to ensure that campus buildings operate safely and eff ectively. Fortunately, it’s possible to have
fi nance is diffi cult, if not impossible, to secure. The added problem with this model for the independent investor / landlord is that they often include several ‘stings in the tail’ and there have already been a number of high-profi le pieces in the media about the headline returns not being achieved. And after the fi ve-year ‘honeymoon’
period, the management and service costs could be signifi cantly increased, squeezing the potential annual yield and leaving investors with an underperforming asset. Even worse, they have no guarantee that the managing agent will fi ll their particular room/s which could result in zero income. And fi nally there is no clear exit strategy. A traditional buy-to-let property can be sold on the open market; but as this is an investment rather than model, there is no established resale market or way to estimate the market value of an individual studio – so they could be locked in with no route to recoup their investment. Buy-for-rent property has long
been regarded as a good investment but so many landlords get it wrong, failing to maximise their return and it’s also typically hands-on in terms of
management. However, there is now a simplifi ed way to invest in and access the returns provided by the much- loved freehold multi-let student house. Fully Completed Income Producing Investments (FCIPI) are emerging from providers such as Urban Student, which use market knowledge, regulatory and management expertise and buying power to identify and acquire individual properties in the most lucrative and prime university locations, to deliver the best yield returns and long-term relative value growth. They oversee all aspects of the purchase, including legal compliance like the HMO licensing as required; onto redevelopment to ensure the necessary mix of technology, personal and shared facilities is achieved; and then the eventual management. So property remains a good
investment, but investors have to ensure they make the right choices from the outset. Going the FCIPI route could open up student property investment for many more individuals and bring more quality property onto the market with a long-term, high yield revenue stream from the investor’s perspective with a solid level of property appreciation tied in for good measure. UB
similar designs across a range of products to ensure a cohesive design. Many of Forbo’s designs are available as sheet vinyl, safety vinyl, loose lay tiles and luxury vinyl tiles helping to ensure an integrated look despite various functionalities. Additionally, Forbo’s Step range of safety fl ooring off ers the same colourway in diff erent slip resistance ratings providing seamless transitions between areas where there is a slip risk. Carpet tiles also off er integrated solutions. The Tessera Create Space collection off ers products at diff erent price points but with intrinsic colour connections to allow holistic yet individual fl ooring design. Forbo’s Allura Flex range of loose lay
vinyl tiles can be installed with the same adhesive as carpet tiles, making it ideal for situations where both textile and resilient fl ooring are required in one area e.g. a study area with a coff ee point. Finally, entrance fl ooring
systems can integrate the fl ooring design by the use of logos or colour co-ordinated schemes whilst also playing a vital role in preventing slips and protecting interior fl oor fi nishes.
For further technical advice, please email tsd.enquiries@
forbo.com or visit forbo- fl
ooring.co.uk/education
All universities contain buildings where diff ering
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92