The introduction of Right to Rent checks in February 2016 will have made landlords in England more cautious about renting their properties to international students.
But landlords shouldn’t be deterred from taking on international students, especially as they are usually very reliable tenants with guarantors. But if you have a property in the Westminster, Pimlico or central London area (a place busy with students), how can you make sure it appeals to the international student market?
Furnish the property
A student travelling to London from overseas won’t be able to bring items like a kettle, toaster, bed or chairs. Make sure the property is fully-furnished and ready to move into. Of course, the student or students may want to buy their own items for the property, but make sure all the necessary items are included when the student moves in – and make it clear in the advert that everything is included with the property.
Fast broadband is important
There is nothing more irritating than slow, unreliable broadband for most of us these days, but a student will rely on the internet for research for their work and for the completion of their work. So being able to put ‘fast broadband included’ in the advert will prove a real selling point.
Make sure the property is low-maintenance
Students don’t want to move into a high-maintenance property. If you want to rent to students from the outset, renovate and decorate the property so that it appeals to students. Install robust furniture, keep the walls a neutral colour, and install heavy-duty carpet. Keep curtains and other furnishings simple and inexpensive. Students don’t expect luxury or state-of-the-art appliances, just somewhere that’s well-equipped and comfortable. <
Location is key
The Westminster/Pimlico area is flooded with students studying at the University of Westminster, University of London, University College London, and London Business School, among other colleges of higher education. Wealthy international students will be looking – and able – to live locally. So capitalise on this demand, and make sure your property is in the prefect location for these students.
Marketing the property
Make sure the property is listed on all the usual channels, with an emphasis on online. Also make sure it is included on university/local college lists of rental properties for students.
What else do international students want?
Well, they likely will want the same as all students: more than one toilet or bathroom, a desk and chair in each room, and a good-sized living room.
If you’re keen to rent to international students in central London, contact us today for help in sourcing the best tenants.
