Changes to the way students pay for their education led to a decrease in the number of people applying to university in the short term. That has been the case since the coalition government instigated the changes in 2010. Concerns about a massive drop were unfounded though. That initial decline now appears to have reversed for the next academic year. 
Sustainable and Steady Growth
A UCAS report demonstrated that applications from university age teenagers grew this year with England recording a “record high”. In Scotland, the system works differently so using the UCAS figures are not reliable and tend to be disregarded. In real terms, data appeals to suggest a 0.2% decrease so far; by the time the academic year comes around and figures are in, analysts expect similar figures in Scotland. Wales saw an increase of 0.3% while numbers in Northern Ireland appear unchanged.
The biggest surge came from young men in Scotland whose applications had been falling behind young women for many years. No such change has been witnessed elsewhere. But the biggest increase has come with social mobility. People from poorer backgrounds increased by 22.6% in England, with 24.5% for N Ireland, and by 19.7% for Wales.
Increased Student Numbers Good for Landlords
These subtle nuances matter little to the nation’s landlords of student tenants, but the increase will come as a relief after almost a decade of uncertainty. Dire warnings of dropping student numbers – if it was ever going to happen and if it was ever going to be a long-term issue – has now been reversed. That means more competition for places and a lower risk of student accommodation left empty for the next academic year.
This year’s rental rush is more than likely over there is still the clearing period to handle when that comes around at the end of August. Any remaining student properties are likely to go fast with the most desirable already gone. However, if your property is still empty for the next academic year, now may be the right time to improve the property ready for the influx of new students.
High Demand Doesn’t Guarantee Rental
During a period of high demand for rental property, your chances of securing tenants for the next academic year increases. However, there is no guarantee that your property will attract students to sign on the dotted line. Clearing students realise they don’t have the most choice available, but they will seek to acquire the best possible property that they can for the money.
If you’re still struggling, it’s not too late to give the property a spruce – fix the minor problems that need fixing, giving the property a deep clean and updating your Pads for Students listing with a more succinct description and improved photographs.