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Tips for Finding Suitable Student Property

You have just broken up for the Christmas break so the last thing on your mind is the next academic year starting ten months away. However, accommodation for the next academic year is one of the first things you will need to start thinking about when you return in January. Start early to get the best deals and the best of the available accommodation. What sort of things should you keep in mind when searching?

 

Know Your Budget

Premium housing comes with premium prices. Budget housing comes with budget prices. The first thing you need to consider is what you can reasonably afford. You’d naturally assume that all private student housing is much the same, but you would be wrong. Price varies by distance to facilities such as campus, shops and main travel routes. Price also varies depending on conveniences offered. Head into your search with an idea of a maximum budget and the process will be easier.

 

Don’t Sign on the First Property You’re Offered

Yes, it’s a competitive market. Yes, you will really have to make do with what’s left if you leave it too late. That’s no reason to grab the first property you look at. It may be overpriced. It may be insufficient or inadequate. A student who starts his or her search early is one who has the most choice and can take a reasonable amount of time in their decision. Ignore the scare tactics, ignore the hard sell and decide only when you are ready.

 

Ask Yourself “Do I Really Need That?”

Because the market is so competitive, you will find most property owners offer perks and features to attempt to grab your attention. It is a competitive market after all, and they don’t want their property to remain empty for the next academic year. They use these perks to get their property filled as early as possible. Ensure you’re not paying for something you don’t need.

 

Ask for EPC Details

One technical detail that most students fail to query (although landlords and agents are obliged to provide this information) is to ask about energy efficiency. It won’t be the first thing on your radar, but it ought to be high on your list. A property’s EPC rating can have a massive impact on your outgoings. The more energy efficient a property is, the lower your average energy costs. The lower the band, the more money you will spend on heating and lighting.

 

Let Pads For Students Do the Hard Work

Please browse our range of property for your student city. We have new properties going up all the time and we expect January to be another busy period. The most organised students begin their property searches for next year early in the second term.