Domestic university applications have dipped this year but international students are plugging the gap and boosting yields for investors in student halls of residence, reports buy to let specialist Assetz. The company state that investors in the sector are now achieving gross yields of 8-10% (approximately 6.5% net), almost twice the average yields in the wider buy to let market.

The number of university applications from domestic students fell by 8.7% this year according to UCAS, following the increase in high tuition fees to up to £9,000 and worsening job prospects for new graduates. However, many university courses are still heavily oversubscribed and applications from international students in particular to study at UK universities are on the rise, with the British Council forecasting an additional 30,000 international students enrolling on UK university courses by 2020, a 10% rise this decade.

According to Assetz the NUS have reported a severe national shortage of dedicated student accommodation, creating strong competition for high quality purpose built student residences and resulting in extremely low void periods for investors, who will typically know seven months in advance that their property is tenanted for the next academic year.

This positive outlook presents an opportunity for ‘passive’ UK property investors seeking a high yielding, low risk, hands off investment, with private halls being managed by on site management teams who handle all bills and ground rent.

Stuart Law, Chief Executive of Assetz, said: "The student property sector has proved to be one of the most resilient investment sectors during the downturn, with rental incomes and property values remaining stable or increasing.
"International students are used to paying for their education and despite steep rises in tuition fees, the UK remains highly competitive compared to other popular destinations such as the United States. The dip in demand from domestic students has been far from catastrophic and the rise in international students enrolling at UK establishments will not only fill the gap but increase competition for places."