Two student accommodation agencies have announced expansions into new university markets in the East Midlands and the North of England, as the sector continues to grow despite broader challenges in the UK property market.
Sulets, which has established partnerships with De Montfort University and the University of Leicester, is launching operations in Loughborough. The move comes as the agency seeks to capitalise on its charitable status, which provides an exemption from certain provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act.
Irving Hill, Chief Executive of Sulets, said the expansion was “a natural next step” for the business. The agency will offer landlords fixed-term tenancies, guaranteed rent payments and possession rights, alongside marketing, tenant sourcing, property management and compliance support.
Loc8me enters York market
National student lettings agency Loc8me has added York to its portfolio, marking its seventh northern city. The agency now operates across Newcastle, Durham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Hull, with properties in York to be managed from its Leeds regional office.
York is home to more than 22,000 students. Loc8me will provide tenancy management, maintenance coordination, compliance oversight and 24-hour tenant support in the city.
Raffaele Russo, founder of Loc8me, said students in York “have very clear expectations about where and how they want to live,” describing the city as one that “values quality, consistency and trust.”
Market context
The expansions come as the student accommodation sector faces regulatory changes affecting the broader rental market. The growth in student-focused lettings contrasts with challenges in other parts of the buy-to-let sector, where licensing requirements have increased significantly in recent years.
Both agencies are targeting landlords seeking managed services in university cities, where demand for student housing remains consistent. The sector has historically provided more stable occupancy rates compared to general residential lettings, though competition for quality properties in university towns continues to intensify.