Are you new to the student accommodation game? Or maybe it’s been a while since you made some aesthetic or feature upgrades and looking to invest in your property. Each generation of students has different requirements from the previous. What was a perk in one decade is now a basic requirement in this one. Thankfully, lettings agents and student groups regularly ask students what they require from accommodation. This is what the most recent found.

Energy Efficiency - EPC

The modern student is both environmentally-conscious and aware of how much utilities are likely to cost. There is a legal requirement to make your property energy efficient. Since the beginning of April 2018, all properties are expected to have a minimum EPC rating of “E”. Having a high rating will make your property more attractive to the environmentally-conscious student in 2019, many of whom say they intend to go solar when they own properties, so aim to improve as much as possible.

Energy Efficient Bulbs and Appliances

By now, most of your light bulbs across the property should be of the energy efficient type. LEDs are the cheapest but older style bulbs also save a lot of money over the old incandescent types. As mentioned above, students are both environmentally aware and cost conscious. Ensuring a ready supply of bulbs and that your old white goods and appliances are replaced with new energy efficient types will also be a good selling point. If your fridge freezer or oven is a couple of decades old, it may be worth considering replacing it for a more energy efficient type.

Wi-Fi is a Must

It’s hard to believe in 2019 that wi-fi does not come as standard. It can take weeks to connect when your student tenants sign up for a service. That’s valuable weeks of lost study and connection through internet services; students want convenience. The web has become so intrinsic to our lives that students will want internet access from day one. If necessary, keep the account in your name and simply add the cost on to the price of rent (make this clear in the contract though).

Good Use of Social Space

Long gone are the days where students want all the convenience in their own rooms and only makeshift communal space. This generation of students goes out far less and drinks less alcohol than the previous generation. They prefer a night in with good friends in front of Netflix, a takeaway and a few beers. Good communal space is essential to these students. They want spaces where they can relax including a patio and garden for the warmer months, and bright and airy rooms all year round.