by House4Students 
What Students Look for in Accommodation – Insights for Landlords & Investors
Understanding what students really want from their housing isn’t just useful—it’s essential if you’re a landlord or investor operating in the student market.
In 2025, expectations have shifted. Students are more discerning, better informed, and often backed by parents who expect professional standards. Here’s what matters most—and how to stay ahead.
🛏️ 1. Comfortable, Practical Rooms
The basics still matter—just more than ever:
- A proper bed—ideally a small double—with a high-quality memory foam mattress. These stand up better to daily use and don’t sag from sitting. Add a washable mattress protector to maintain hygiene and extend mattress life.
- Avoid divan bases that take up floor space without offering function. Beds with drawers or clearance underneath are a smart upgrade and provide vital under-bed storage.
- A desk and chair that supports long hours of study
- Ample storage: a proper wardrobe, chest of drawers, shelving, and ideally a space to tuck away suitcases or extra bags
Storage is a top priority for students. Not having enough is one of the most common complaints we hear.
🍳 2. A Functional, Fair Kitchen
Shared kitchens are often a friction point—but landlords can ease that by thinking ahead:
- Provide a fridge shelf and freezer drawer per person
- Allow for a cupboard each for dry goods and an extra shared cupboard for crockery or cookware
- Make sure there is enough cooking space—a four-hob cooker for 5–6 people just isn’t practical
- Include a microwave—a must-have for quick meals
- Dishwashers are a huge plus in larger houses
Simple upgrades in the kitchen can drastically reduce tension and increase tenant satisfaction.
🧺 3. Laundry Facilities That Work
Nothing annoys students faster than a tiny, overworked washing machine. Ideally:
- Provide a large-capacity machine with a durable drum that won’t be damaged by overloaded cycles
- If you can, add a tumble dryer—they’re expensive to run but incredibly convenient in winter
- A dehumidifier is an often-overlooked bonus—it prevents damp build-up from multiple people drying clothes and showering without proper ventilation
🔐 4. Safety and Security
This is a top concern for students and parents alike:
- Strong locks, secure doors, and window fastenings
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in working order
- Good external lighting
- An EPC rating of C or above to help with heating and bills
🌍 5. Location and Connectivity
Students prioritise:
- Walking distance to lectures (or direct transport links)
- Proximity to shops, gyms, libraries, nightlife
- Being close to friends or course-mates
In Reading, Redlands, Earley, and the town centre fringe remain most popular.
📶 6. Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
This one’s non-negotiable. From lectures to Netflix, poor internet access is a deal-breaker.
Landlords should:
- Offer strong broadband (minimum 100 Mbps for houses of 3+)
- Make sure signal reaches all rooms
- Provide backup contact info for service issues
🧾 7. Clear, Transparent Costs
Students and parents want clarity. That means:
- All-inclusive rent (or a clear breakdown if bills are separate)
- Transparency about deposits, payment dates, guarantors, and contract terms
Surprise costs = unhappy tenants.
🚲 8. Bonus Features That Stand Out
In a competitive market, the details help:
- Secure bike storage and off-street parking are great value-adds
- Avoid carpets—wood or laminate flooring is easier to clean and won’t need replacing as often
- Consider smart tech like:
- Programmable lighting
- App-controlled thermostats
- A Sonos or speaker system for communal areas
These subtle touches help your property stand out without breaking the bank.
🧠 Final Thought: It’s About More Than Just Rent
In a competitive student market, success isn’t just about being the cheapest. It’s about:
- Offering value and livability
- Making the student (and their parents) feel safe and respected
- Being transparent and easy to deal with
At House 4 Students, we work with landlords who want long-term success—not short-term tenancies.
📩 Want to know how your student property stacks up? Get in touch—we’ll give you a straight answer. 
