Landlords who are intending to purchase property to rent to students for the 2014-15 academic year need to act now and to have an offer accepted on a property by 1 November 2013 so they can take advantage of the student rental rush in January 2014, according to research by Move with Us.

40 university accommodation officers in the UK were surveyed and revealed that over half of second and third year students start looking for property to rent in January and February for the following academic year, whilst first year students, who are in halls, will start looking after the Christmas break.

Robin King, Director at Move with Us, said: “Landlords looking to benefit from the rental yields offered by student lets should note the highest yielding postcodes and remain open-minded about where to purchase property, not just focussing on their immediate area.

“Lower capital investment costs and higher rental prices will deliver good yields and fewer voids, maximising potential returns. Popular student areas such as Birmingham and Liverpool are offering yields of up to 10.6%. While gross rental yields can be attractive, it is important for investors to appreciate that changing capital values can radically alter the real investment potential.”

With the average time taken for an offer on a property to be accepted to completion being two months, landlords need to be acting now so they can ensure they can advertise their property in the new year.

King continued: “Landlords should follow the usual rules of purchasing property close to shops, amenities and transport to maximise rental yields. A good power shower and fast internet connection are also becoming increasingly important, especially to student tenants.”