Many seasoned property investors, as well as property novices, are now considering student lets as a great way to generate a steady income. Seen as a secure and guaranteed investment, they are a great way to supplement income, as well as a high yield addition to an established property portfolio. The constant high demand results in almost continued income, while rooms can be let out individually, resulting in a higher revenue.

However when it comes to looking for a student property, although the basics are the same, there are a number specialist points you need to look into before taking the plunge. And as always, we’re here to help you invest your money wisely so have jotted down some key points for you to add to your checklist when on the hunt for a student house:

Location, location, location

When investing in any house, location should always be very near the top of the list, but when thinking about student lets, this is imperative. Students are seldom open to catching buses to lectures every day, as this adds both time and money onto their already time and cash-strapped lives. Look for a property within a ten minute walking distance to a campus – it doesn’t have to be the main campus, just one that students travel to daily. It also helps to look at city locations first, as even though students are notorious for being skint, they’re more well-known for their nights out!

Remember it’s not a family home

When investing in property, investors will always look at who they could potentially rent it out to. And unless it’s a one bed city pad, a family will usually be high on that list. If you’re looking to invest in student digs, look at the bigger picture and completely forget that it is, once was, or could be, a home for a family. If it’s got a separate living room and dining room for example, one of those could be turned into a bedroom (when have you ever seen students eating at a table together at home?!), if the bathroom is off the kitchen, that’s okay because it means the bedrooms upstairs will be bigger and if there’s no garden then don’t worry – unlike families, students aren’t looking for a lawn to sit out in.

Count and measure the bedrooms

No matter what house you see, there will always be a small bedroom. But if the others are a good size, and relatively even, then you’ll be onto a winner. Look at the rental potential of each room and see whether it is a viable investment for the price tag – and don’t discount the small room. Double beds are desirable for students, but not essential, so if one room is slightly smaller, simply pop in a single bed and advertise it at a cheaper rate than the doubles.

Do you have any advice for investors looking to take their first steps into the world of student lets?