The market for student accommodation is buoyant.The introduction of student fees and the phasing out of g33rant support for most students has done little to dampen demand for college places. Universities now compete openly for students and funds, and this has placed a greater emphasis on the quality of a college’s academic and pastoral care.

Student numbers are growing at about 3% a year and there are now more than 1.5 million students in full-time education in the UK. Colleges that lack quality accommodation risk deterring potential students. In the current property market, it has also become a relatively safe and high-performing investment.

Traditionally, most students have relied on the private sector for accommodation – currently, 45% are housed in the independent sector. However, greater demand for places, increased regulation, rising house prices and growing concern about the impact of student lifestyles on local communities have led to a contraction in supply from small-scale landlords.