Tips For Renting To International Students.
June 12, 2015
BRITISH universities are experiencing a boom in foreign students, with the number of international students coming to the country to study having soared by 67% in 10 years.
With the percentage of overseas students at British universities expected to rise from 15 per cent of all students in 2008 to 21 per cent in 2018, this influx presents a real opportunity for letting agents to capitalize on.
But this new chance at a wider tenant base comes with its own set of issues.
First, overseas students are less likely to be able to visit a property before signing a tenancy. We are increasingly seeing agencies use property videos and even the current darling of the tech world Periscope to give guided tours around properties.
Secondly, although they may good at hitting the books, do they know their mould from their mildew? And more significantly, when it comes to their responsibilities, will they understand what you’re talking about?
Ensuring that you’re speaking the same language as your tenant when it comes to reporting problems and repairs is the best way to get ahead in this market. One of the major problems with letting to students, particularly international ones, is a disconnect when it comes to communications. You need to make it crystal clear to your tenants exactly what their responsibilities around the house are, regardless of their nationality.
Fixflo’s online reporting system is available in over 40 languages and lets tenants know exactly what they are responsible for fixing, so you won’t be bothered with calls about changing lightbulbs. It also provides simple self-help steps to fix basic problems so tenants all around the world can be part of their own solutions. A tool like this can prove invaluable to international students who may think that even a basic instruction manual reads like double dutch!
Obviously there are a number of other things to consider when it comes to deciding to enter the student letting market like late night check-ins after they arrive at the airport. Our point is simply that if you do decide to get into this market, don’t be put off the international quotient. In this instance, it might just pay not just to go local…
If you’re a landlord in the student lettings market find an agency in your area who has invested in a Fixflo system to maintain your property more effectively.
You May Also Enjoy
Understanding House Value in the UK: A Simple Guide
Everyone talks approximately assets expenses, from the records headlines shouting about the contemporary marketplace traits for your friends debating whether or no longer now is the proper time to shop for or sell. It might possibly appear to be a jumble of numbers and possibilities, but at the heart of it, knowledge house cost isn’t…
Read More 
What does latent defects insurance cover?
When a building is insured during the construction phase, coverage doesn’t necessarily end once the final brick has been laid. Failures and problems with design and workmanship can go unnoticed for several months or even years, leading to larger issues while someone occupies the building. Fixing such large structural defects can be extremely costly, so…
Read More 
Breaking Property News – 24/04/24
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Smart Spaces delivers the world’s first implementation of HID’s mobile credentials in Google Wallet at Workspace Mobile access control integration makes entry to The Light Bulb building effortless for customers London, April 23, 2024 – Smart Spaces announces today that it has partnered with trusted identity provider,…
Read More 
An average rate of 6% for the first time since November – Rightmove’s weekly mortgage tracker
Headlines The average 5-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.89%, up from 4.45% a year ago The average 2-year fixed mortgage rate is now 5.29%, up from 4.75% a year ago The average 85% LTV 5-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.82%, up from 4.42% a year ago The average 60% LTV 5-year fixed mortgage rate is now 4.36%, up from 4.15% a year ago The average monthly mortgage payment on…
Read More 
Understanding Property Valuation: A Simple Guide
Ever asked your self, “How a amazing deal is my house simply simply well worth?” Whether you’re thinking of promoting, thinking of searching for, or just simple curious, identifying a property’s rate can experience like navigating a maze without a map. Yet, do not agonize. This sincere guide will stroll you via the necessities of…
Read More
Aberdeen is cheapest city to be a first-time buyer
New analysis reveals that Aberdeen is the cheapest city to be a first-time buyer with an average asking price of £102,602: The average monthly mortgage payment for a first-time buyer in Aberdeen is £406 per month, assuming the buyer has a 20% deposit, and a mortgage term of 35 years Data from UK Finance shows…
Read More