Investing in PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation): A Guide
Purpose-built student accommodation, or PBSA, is a unique kind of property strategy. For generations, the UK has remained a highly regarded centre of education and is home to some of the top universities in the world. Driven by this demand, student property is now an incredibly lucrative investment opportunity with a proven track record of strength and resilience.
Here's our guide to what you need to know about finding the best PBSA investment opportunities for your next buy-to-let property.
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by Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK
With two decades in UK property, Rob has been investing in buy-to-let since 2005, and uses property data to develop tools for property market analysis.
What Exactly is PBSA?
PBSA is short for purpose-built student accommodation. Meaning as the name suggests it is residential accommodation that is specially built for occupation by students.
PBSA is a relatively new property asset class. Traditionally, students going to university would live either in university-owned halls or student house shares (HMOs).
In recent years private developers and investors have entered this market by building and running student accommodation in areas where there is extensive student demand and universities are struggling to provide accommodation to cope with demand.
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is usually provided in modern apartment blocks, with a layout called cluster flats or study bedrooms with ensuite facilities. These are sometimes known as student pods and often involve 2,3, or 4 bedrooms sharing communal facilities in one apartment layout.
PBSA blocks often have main communal amenities such as residents’ lounges, gyms, cinemas and media rooms for the residents to provide an all-in-one-home with everything a student could need on location.
PBSA rooms usually include all amenities and utilities in the price of the weekly/monthly rent, making it simple and appealing for young people often moving into their first rented property.
Student housing demand is of course mainly found in cities and towns which have major universities. It tends to be focused around the UK’s largest student towns and cities. Cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield have seen extensive PBSA development in recent years to keep up with demand.
In Sept 2024 UCAS reported that 277,790 UK 18-year-olds have been accepted on to undergraduate courses this academic year, up 2.8% from 2023.
Rents are high, with the average student rent being £550 per month (£778 in London) with 64% of students suggesting they struggle with the rent some of the time.
The Advantages of Investing in PBSA
Purpose-built student accommodation offers investors several compelling advantages that set it apart from traditional property investments.
Financial Benefits
The financial case for PBSA is particularly strong. These investments typically generate higher yields than standard buy-to-let properties, supported by premium rental rates that students are willing to pay for quality accommodation. Market confidence remains robust, evidenced by an impressive £2.45 billion investment across PBSA in the first half of 2024.
A significant financial advantage of modern PBSA lies in its ability to command substantially higher rents than other types of student accommodation in the same area (like HMOs or university halls of residence). This rental premium stems from the comprehensive package PBSA offers – modern facilities, inclusive bills, enhanced security, and prime locations.
New PBSA developments often come with rental guarantees from credible developers, providing investors with income security during the crucial early period while the property establishes itself in the market. For those interested in off-plan investment, PBSA offers additional opportunities to benefit from below-market entry prices and potential capital appreciation during the construction phase.
Operational Advantages
PBSA's professional management structure creates a genuinely hands-off investment opportunity. Dedicated building management teams handle all aspects of operation, from maintenance and security to tenant management and marketing. This comprehensive service removes the typical landlord responsibilities that come with traditional property investment.
Strong Demand and Retention
Student numbers have grown substantially in recent decades, creating consistent demand for quality accommodation. PBSA benefits from predictable occupancy patterns, with students typically renting for the entire academic year and often extending through their full course duration. This leads to lower void periods compared to standard buy-to-let properties.
The retention rates in PBSA typically exceed those of traditional student HMOs. This higher retention stems from the positive living experience PBSA creates, with purposefully designed communities encouraging students to remain in the accommodation for longer periods. The social connections formed within these communities often influence students to extend their stays.
Location and Design Benefits
PBSA developments usually occupy prime city-centre locations near universities, maximizing their appeal to students. The multi-storey design efficiently uses limited urban space, enabling central positioning that would be impossible for traditional student housing. This premium positioning supports both strong yields and potential capital growth.
Modern PBSA properties are specifically designed to meet contemporary student expectations. Their well-planned layouts, high-quality amenities, and modern design appeal not only to students but also to their parents, who often influence accommodation choices. The inclusion of features like high-speed internet, study spaces, and social areas directly addresses what today's students value most in their living environment.
Market Resilience
The purpose-built nature of PBSA ensures it remains perpetually aligned with its target market, unlike converted properties that may become outdated or require significant updates. The combination of professional management, purpose-built design, and prime locations creates a resilient investment that can maintain its appeal through market cycles making it an appealing property strategy.
The Challenges and Risks of PBSA Investment
PBSA presents investors with several significant challenges and risks that require careful consideration.
Market Vulnerability
The PBSA sector's success fundamentally depends on the continued strength of student numbers. Recent global events have highlighted this vulnerability. Brexit and Covid-19 have impacted international student mobility, while demographic shifts and changing attitudes toward higher education could affect future demand. The market faces several key risks:
- Declining birth rates in key markets and an ageing population in some locations
- Changing patterns in university attendance with some offering online courses
- Shifts in international student preferences with international students from China down -1.9% on last year, India down -3.8%, Hong Kong down -6.3% and students from the EU down -0.8% with the latest figures from UCAS.
Supply Market Dynamics
Many university cities have experienced substantial PBSA development in recent years, transforming their student accommodation landscape. In some locations, this rapid growth has led to market saturation concerns. For many years demand has been much higher than housing supply as PBSA development took years to go through planning and build phases, but in some locations the see-saw of supply and demand is now pretty even or in some cases over supplied.
The impact of supply issues manifests in several ways:
- Increased competition for tenants
- Pressure on rental rates
- Higher marketing costs
Financial Constraints
PBSA's specialist nature creates distinct financial challenges. Unlike traditional residential property, PBSA typically requires substantial upfront capital investment due to limited financing options. Standard buy-to-let mortgages rarely cover these investments and buyers are typically purchasing as cash instead of finance.
Affordability and Competition
PBSA's premium positioning in the student accommodation market presents a double-edged sword. While high-quality facilities and services justify premium rents, they also limit the potential tenant pool. Traditional student HMOs and other accommodation types can often undercut PBSA on price, particularly appealing to cost-conscious students. In major cities, there is always demand for a premium market, but in some smaller cities and towns, there is a ceiling on what the maximum rent is likely to be, no matter how many additional services the purpose-built accommodations supply.
Exit Strategy Limitations
The specialised nature of PBSA can complicate exit strategies. The pool of potential buyers is naturally limited to investors specifically interested in student accommodation, potentially affecting resale values and timeframes. These properties can't be occupied by families or traditional working tenants and can't be purchased by a homeowner wishing to live there, so the re-sale market is specifically to other investors. Market conditions at the time of sale become particularly crucial given these limitations.
Successful exit planning must consider:
- Market timing
- Local student demographic trends
- Competition levels
- Property condition
- Market saturation
Understanding these challenges doesn't necessarily make PBSA a less attractive investment, but rather emphasises the importance of thorough due diligence and careful market selection.
If you purchase at the right price, maintain high standards of maintenance and have a consistent tenant demand, then investing in purpose-built student accommodation can be a high-yield strategy.
How to Invest in PBSA
There are several different ways the average buy-to-let landlord and investor might make an investment in purpose-built student accommodation:
Investing Directly In PBSA Rooms
These kinds of investments into PBSA sometimes come with a guaranteed rental income or yield for a number of years.
They are available by niche-specific property developers or via property investment agents.
Stocks and Shares
You could consider buying shares in companies that invest in, develop and run PBSA. This is an indirect way of investing in PBSA property.
Investment Trusts
You could consider putting your money into an investment trust or REIT which has PBSA in its portfolio. This is also an indirect way of investing in PBSA.
Access our selection of exclusive, high-yielding, off-market property deals and a personal consultant to guide you through your options.
Things to Consider Before Investing in Student Accommodation
Of course, there are a lot of things you must bear in mind before considering any property strategy, as they all have varying risks and rewards. Below, however, are a few important things you should consider, that are specific to purpose-built accommodation.
Demand for Student Accommodation in the Area
As with any buy-to-let investment, you should consider what demand there is for your PBSA property. Look at student numbers in the area in which you are investing. Look at what the universities in the area are doing. Are student numbers rising, falling or staying static and what are they likely to do in future? This is especially important if you are buying off plan and your development may not be finished until some future point.
PBSA often particularly appeals to overseas students in the UK. So also consider current and future overseas student numbers.
Cushman & Wakefield say that demand for student accommodation stands at a staggering 1,489,110 students with 96.4% seeking housing across 74 different cities and towns across the UK.
Consider the Supply
Consider the supply side of the equation. Look at what other student accommodation exists in the area (of all types, not only PBSA but student HMOs etc.). Is there a shortage of student accommodation in the area, or a surplus, or are supply and demand balanced?
Also, look into future supply. Are any new, large PBSA blocks being built or planned for the area …. other than the one you are considering investing in?
Savills says that 5 cities have a higher than 3.0 student to beds ratio with Glasgow being the highest at 3.8 then London and Bristol following closely behind.
(That is 3 or more students competing for every available bed provided by university accommodation or private housing providers).
The Cost to Buy
If you are considering investing directly in a PBSA unit compare the purchase price with the wider property market in the area. What does the same amount of money buy you in the same area? Does the PBSA unit offer good value when compared with, for example, a non-PBSA apartment or house in the same area?
What Are the Yields Like?
As with any property investment, you should consider the gross yield on offer (how to work out rental yield: annual rent divided by purchase price x 100) and ensure it offers you an acceptable return on your investment. Yields on PBSA tend to be attractive (8%+ gross rental yields) compared to more traditional buy-to-lets (which may average 6%).
Management and Running Costs
PBSA blocks are usually run by a professional PBSA operating company and managed by a professional manager. They provide communal amenities and, often, a concierge service to student residents. The blocks will also require regular maintenance both to the fabric of the building and the interior.
Check the management and running costs. It’s also sensible to check who will be managing the property and if they have a good track record of PBSA management, and ensuring good occupancy.
Future Resale Potential
As a property investor, it’s wise to consider the future resale potential of your investment. Always have an exit strategy in mind. As PBSA units can only be sold for student accommodation this means they can only be sold to other PBSA investors in future. The resale market for them is likely to be more limited than other types of property investment. Consider lining up your exit plan early and knowing how you can sell your investment property.
Will PBSA Increase in Value?
Yes, absolutely, PBSA can increase in value, but like any property, it can also go down. Purpose-built student accommodation is often sold on a yield basis, so the property value goes up over time as the rents go up.
For example, if the market is currently buying and selling PBSA in a specific city at 8% gross rental yield and the rent is £500 pcm (per calendar month). That would be a £75,000 property asset. If the rents increased over time to £750 pcm and the apartments were still selling at an 8% rental yield, then the new market value would be £112,500.
The Best Places to Invest in Student Accommodation in the North
Based on population and demand, here are some high-performing northern cities and towns for the best places to invest in PBSA.
Durham PBSA Investment
The historic city of Durham is home to Durham University, one of the UK’s top universities alongside Oxford and Cambridge.
Durham offers investors low property prices, especially outside the immediate city centre.
Places within walking distance or a short bus journey of one of the university colleges, mainly on the south side of Durham, are popular student accommodation areas. Durham student accommodation areas include The Viaduct, Church Street, Crossgate, Claypath and Gilesgate.
- Durham University comprises 17 separate colleges.
- Durham student population 17,500 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Durham.
Huddersfield PBSA Investment
Huddersfield in West Yorkshire is a lesser-known student town, but the University of Huddersfield has around 17,200 students.
Huddersfield is affordable for students and is also a cheap property hotspot, offering low buy-in prices and attractive yields for investors.
Moldgreen, Lockwood, Springwood and the town centre are popular areas for Huddersfield student accommodation.
- One university in the Huddersfield area.
- Huddersfield student population 17,200 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Huddersfield.
Hull PBSA Investment
Hull, correctly known as Kingston Upon Hull, is home to the University of Hull. The Hull York Medical School, a joint venture with the University of York, is also in Hull.
The university’s campus is on Cottingham Road in north Hull. Favourite areas for student accommodation include Cottingham Road, Newland Avenue and Beverley Road.
Hull generally is one of the cheapest places to invest in property in the whole UK and offers investors excellent value for money.
- One main university in the Hull area.
- Hull student population 16,500 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Hull.
Lancaster PBSA Investment
Lancaster is a small city but it has a sizable student population. Lancaster University has a purpose-built campus at Bailrigg just to the south of Lancaster itself. The University of Cumbria also has a small campus in Lancaster.
Lancaster student accommodation areas include the city centre, Bowerham, Primrose, Fairfield, Freehold, Moorlands and Scotforth.
- Two universities in the Lancaster area.
- Lancaster student population 16,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Lancaster.
Leeds PBSA Investment
Leeds is a major northern student city with four main universities and a number of higher educational institutions. The main universities in Leeds are the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and Leeds Arts University.
Popular areas for Leeds student accommodation include Burley, Hyde Park, Headingley, Woodhouse and the city centre.
While Leeds is not the cheapest city for student property investment in the north it has offered strong property price growth in recent years.
- Four separate universities in the Leeds area.
- Leeds student population 65,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Leeds.
Liverpool PBSA Investment
Liverpool is one of the north’s most popular university cities for student applications. Universities in Liverpool are the large University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University or LJMU, and the smaller Liverpool Hope University.
The most popular student property areas in Liverpool are Kensington, Edge Hill, Wavertree, Childwall, Aigburth, Mossley Hill and Allerton.
Liverpool scores highly on low property prices, strong yields and impressive past 5-year price growth.
- Two large universities and one smaller university in the Liverpool area.
- Liverpool student population 53,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Liverpool.
Manchester PBSA Investment
Manchester is not only one of the largest student cities in the UK, but one of the largest in Europe too. Manchester is especially popular with overseas students.
Universities in Manchester include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University or MMU while the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and the University of Salford are also part of the Manchester university community.
Key student areas of Manchester are Fallowfield, Rusholme and the city centre, especially around the Southern Gateway area.
- Four universities in the Manchester area including Salford.
- Manchester's student population is 100,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Manchester.
Middlesbrough PBSA Investment
Middlesbrough is home to Teesside University. Teesside University may be one of the lesser-known universities but it has grown fast in recent years and invested millions of pounds in new facilities.
Middlesbrough is a cheap property hotspot. Popular areas for student accommodation here include Acklam, Cargo Fleet, the city centre, Eston, Linthorpe, Normanby, Old Lackenby, Ormesby and Thornaby.
Durham University has its Queen’s Campus at nearby Stockton on Tees. Queen’s Campus is Durham University’s International Study Centre.
- One university in Middlesbrough plus the International Study Centre in Stockton.
- Middlesbrough area student population 31,200 overall.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Middlesbrough.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne PBSA Investment
Newcastle University has a 50-acre campus is to the northeast of the city centre. Northumbria University has two campuses in the city centre and one in the suburbs.
Popular Newcastle student property areas are Heaton, Sandyford, Shieldfield and Spital Tongues and the ever-popular Jesmond.
Newcastle is one of the cheapest large cities in the UK for property investment.
- Two large universities in the Newcastle area.
- Newcastle student population 50,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Newcastle.
Preston PBSA Investment
Sometimes overlooked in favour of Liverpool and Manchester, Preston is the third-largest student centre in northwest England. The University of Central Lancashire or UCLan is also one of the UK’s largest single universities by student numbers. Its campus is on the northern edge of Preston city centre.
Areas popular for Preston student accommodation include the city centre, Plungington, Ashton and Fulwood.
Preston is a good value property area, with house prices only around half the England national average.
- A single large university in the Preston area.
- Preston student population 33,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Preston.
Salford PBSA Investment
Salford is a significant student city, although it is often overlooked in favour of the student accommodation market in nearby Manchester. The University of Salford has a main campus which is centred on the Peel Park and Salford Crescent area and another campus at Media City.
Locations within easy walking distance of the university campuses are generally most popular for student lettings.
Salford is a good value property hotspot, with prices lower than nearby Manchester.
- Four universities in the Manchester area including Salford.
- Manchester and Salford student population 100,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Salford.
Sheffield PBSA Investment
Sheffield has one of the largest ratios of students to general population of any UK city. Around one in ten residents of Sheffield are students.
The University of Sheffield is based mainly around the city centre. Sheffield Hallam University also has a campus two miles away on Ecclesall Road which is a centre for Sheffield student accommodation and student life.
Popular student accommodation areas include the city centre, Broomhall, Broomhill, Crookes, Crookesmoor, Darnall, Ecclesall, Heeley, Hillsborough, Hunters Bar, Millhouses, Norfolk Park, Ranmoor, Sharrow, Walkley and Woodseats.
- Two large universities in the Sheffield area.
- Sheffield student population 60,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Sheffield.
Sunderland PBSA Investment
The University of Sunderland has around 20,000 students and has recently expanded by setting up a new medical school. The University of Sunderland has two campuses, the City Campus Sunderland and The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s.
Sunderland students live all around the city but popular student areas for living in Sunderland include the city centre, Millfield, Pallion and Ashbrooke.
Sunderland is one of the cheapest large cities for property investment, offering good value for investors.
- One university in the Sunderland area.
- Sunderland student population 20,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in Sunderland.
York PBSA Investment
York is home to two universities. The University of York has around 18,000 students with Campus East and Campus West at Heslington. York St. John University has around 6,000 students with a campus in the city centre.
Popular areas for York student accommodation include Haxby Road in Clifton, Hull Road and Heslington Road near the University of York, Fishergate and Lawrence Street close to the city centre, The Groves and Haxby Road, Heslington, Heworth and Osbaldwick.
- Two separate universities in the York area.
- York student population 24,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let market in York.
The Best Places to Invest in Student Accommodation in the South
Based on population and demand, here are some high-performing southern cities and towns for the best places to invest in PBSA.
Bath PBSA Investment
The historic city of Bath is not only a tourist hotspot but a major student city too.
The University of Bath has its main campus at Claverton Down east of Bath. Bath Spa University has campuses at Newton Park, Syon Hill and Locksbrook.
Popular areas for Bath student houses are the city centre, Combe Down, Odd Down, Oldfield Park and Lower Weston.
- Two large universities in the Bath area.
- The student population in Bath is 22,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Bath.
Bournemouth PBSA Investment
Bournemouth University is a relatively new university and has a reputation for its media courses. The university has invested heavily in new facilities and has two main campuses. The small Arts University Bournemouth or AUB is also here. Bournemouth is also a popular location for English language schools and hosts thousands of foreign language students annually.
Bournemouth town centre and Winton are popular student areas.
- Two universities in the Bournemouth area.
- The student population in Bournemouth is 16,800, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Bournemouth.
Brighton PBSA Investment
Although best known as a seaside city Brighton is also a large student centre. The University of Brighton has three campuses in Brighton plus one in Eastbourne. The University of Sussex is also in Brighton.
Areas popular for Brighton student accommodation include Lewes Road, Hanover, Poets Corner, Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Coldean and Kemptown.
- Two universities in the Brighton area.
- The Brighton student population is 41,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Brighton.
Bristol PBSA Investment
Bristol is the largest student city in the south after London. There are two universities in Bristol – the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England or UWE plus a number of higher education institutions.
The University of Bristol is planning a new £300m campus in the Temple Quarter and this could expand student numbers by 30%.
Popular locations for Bristol student accommodation are Clifton, Redland, Cotham, St. Andrew’s, Filton, Fishponds and Horfield.
- Two large universities in the Bristol area.
- The Bristol student population is 50,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Bristol.
Cambridge PBSA Investment
Cambridge is world-famous as a university town. As well as the University of Cambridge, which is made up of a number of university colleges, Anglia Ruskin University or ARU also has a campus here.
Cambridge has one of the highest student populations in relation to the local population of anywhere in the south, meaning that student property is very sought after in Cambridge. Central locations are particularly popular.
- There are two universities in Cambridge. The University of Cambridge has 31 university colleges.
- The Cambridge student population is 42,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Cambridge.
Canterbury PBSA Investment
Canterbury’s student population has doubled over the last decade. Canterbury has one of the highest student-to-local resident population ratios in the country.
The main universities in Canterbury are the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University. Smaller universities in the city are the University for the Creative Arts and Girne American University Canterbury.
Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent have recently established the new Kent and Medway Medical School.
Areas for student property in Canterbury include Hales Place, St. Dunstan’s and Wincheap. Whitstable Road, Old Dover Road and New Dover Road are also popular.
- There are two large universities and two small universities in the Canterbury area.
- The Canterbury student population is 40,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Canterbury.
Colchester PBSA Investment
Colchester is home to the University of Essex which was created in the 1960s. The University of Essex has a purpose-built campus on the edge of town at Wivenhoe Park.
Colchester is generally a good value area of the south for property prices.
- One university in the Colchester area.
- The Colchester student population is 15,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Colchester.
Exeter PBSA Investment
Although Exeter is one of the UK’s smaller cities the University of Exeter frequently ranks in the top 20 of UK universities.
Exeter has also grown fast as a commercial centre in recent years so property to buy and property to rent is in high demand.
Areas that are popular for student property include the city centre, Pennsylvania, Stoke Hill, St. Davids, St. Thomas, Mount Pleasant, St. James, Heavitree, Newtown and St. Leonards.
- One university in the Exeter area.
- The Exeter student population is 22,500, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Exeter.
Guildford PBSA Investment
The University of Surrey is located in Guildford. Around a third of students at the University of Surrey are from outside the UK.
Guildford is a higher-priced location due to its popularity as a London commuter location and as a result of the many large employers based in and around the town.
The city centre, Onslow Village, Stoughton and Bellfields are amongst popular areas for Guildford student houses.
- One university in the Guildford area.
- The Guildford student population is 16,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Guildford.
Hatfield PBSA Investment
Hatfield in Hertfordshire isn’t well known as a university town but the University of Hertfordshire regards itself as one of the top 200 universities in the world. The university was created in the 1990s and is based on four campuses across Hatfield.
Hatfield is close to London but generally has better value student accommodation than in London itself. The best student locations are those within walking distance of the College Lane campus and the De Havilland campus.
- One university in the Hatfield area.
- The Hatfield student population is 25,000, approximately.
London PBSA Investment
London is the biggest student city in Britain and one of the biggest in the world. There are an estimated 400,000 students in London.
London is particularly popular with overseas students. There are around 180,000 students from abroad in London. London universities include many world-famous universities such as University College London or UCL, Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science or LSE.
Here are some guides to the different areas of London for buy-to-rent property: North, East, South and West.
- Around 40 universities in the London area.
- The London student population is 400,000, approximately.
Oxford PBSA Investment
Oxford, alongside Cambridge, is one of the UK’s most well-known university towns. Oxford is famous for the University of Oxford. Oxford is also home to Oxford Brookes University.
The University of Oxford is the biggest single employer in Oxfordshire and employs almost 14,000 people.
Locations to look at for student accommodation include Jericho, Park Town, Cowley Road, Cowley and Headington (Oxford Brookes University).
- There are two universities in the Oxford area. The University of Oxford has 39 university colleges.
- The Oxford student population is 40,000, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Oxford.
Portsmouth PBSA Investment
Portsmouth is a city of the sea and is the home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth is also the most densely populated city in the UK after London.
The University of Portsmouth is a relatively new university having been established in 1992. It is investing £400 million over 10 years to develop and expand its facilities.
The university’s buildings are just to the west of Portsmouth city centre. Popular areas for Plymouth student accommodation are Southsea and Fratton close to the city centre. The suburbs of Eastney, Milton, North End and Hilsea are popular with students while Drayton, Farlington, Cosham, Fareham and Gosport also have some student accommodation too.
- One university in the Plymouth area.
- The Plymouth student population is 25,500 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Plymouth.
Reading PBSA Investment
The University of Reading has around 19,000 students from around 150 countries. The university has campuses at Whiteknights, London Road and Greenlands near Henley-on-Thames.
Popular student areas in Reading include streets around the campuses such as Wokingham Road, Earley and also the town centre.
- One university in the Reading area.
- The Reading student population is 19,000 approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Reading.
Southampton PBSA Investment
Southampton has a large student population relative to its size. Southampton is home to the University of Southampton, which claims to be one of the top 15 universities in the UK, and Southampton Solent University.
The most popular student property areas of Southampton are Portswood, Swaythling, Highfield, Bassett and Shirley.
Southampton ranks as one of the cheaper places to invest in property in the south of the UK with prices well under the national average.
- There are two large universities in the Southampton area.
- The Southampton student population is 43,500, approximately.
Here’s more information on the buy-to-let property investment market in Southampton.
Access our selection of exclusive, high-yielding, off-market property deals and a personal consultant to guide you through your options.