How to maximise HMO occupancy later in the student lettings cycle

At this later point in the student lettings cycle, ensuring maximum occupancy for the next academic year is a priority for property managers. We list over 750,000 beds on the StuRents platform each year and extract and analyse millions of data points to provide you with insights into the latest trends and patterns. To help you fill any remaining beds, we've examined yearly student search behaviour so you can understand exactly what students are looking for at this point in the season. 

What are students searching for from February to September?

In the vast majority of cities, searches for HMOs peak in November for the following academic year. Data from the 2022-23 academic year demonstrates that, by February, over 80% of demand for clusters (3+ bed properties) has already been met. Only 15% of searches for clusters take place after February. 

However, the demand for one-bed properties and studios remains strong in this later period. More than 50% of searches for one-bed or studio property properties occur in February. Demand for one beds and studios remains relatively strong (certainly far stronger than for clusters) until mid-summer. 

Nationally, demand for studios and one beds begins to taper off in the summer months, with most students having secured their accommodation for the coming academic year by September. However, our data has revealed that, in London, the highest percentage of studio searches occur in September, right before the new academic year begins. 

How to maximise HMO occupancy from February to September 

As cluster demand begins to decrease at the mid-point in the letting cycle, if you are trying to reach maximum occupancy for the next academic year, it is a good idea to consider letting out rooms in your HMO properties individually. This allows single tenants who may not know each other to sign a contract for an individual bedroom in your property. They will still share the communal spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. 

This allows you to make your HMO property appealing to tenants looking for a one-bed or studio let. You can also set the price of rooms at different price points depending on factors such as size and the specific amenities available. This will allow you to attract tenants with different budgets and help ensure that all your beds are filled for the coming year. 

Individual lets with StuRents

When marketing your properties on StuRents.com, you can toggle on 'rooms let individually' from within the Listings dashboard. You can do this when originally listing your properties, or edit them later in the season to turn this capability on. This makes it quick and easy to respond to specific demand and trends in student search behaviour. 

Want to list your property with StuRents? Find out more about our marketing plans today.