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Student Housing
#1 Student Lettings Agency
In recent years, the student rental market in Lincoln has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once dominated by simple, high-occupancy houses with basic furnishings and white walls, today’s student housing landscape looks very different. The modern student expects more - and rightly so, with so many options in the market students have more choice than ever before. With rent levels rising and competition heating up, landlords can no longer afford to offer tired interiors or unimaginative spaces.
If you're a landlord in Lincoln looking to stay competitive and maximise your return on investment, it's time to start thinking like a hospitality provider - not just a student accommodation provider. This article will walk you through what students in Lincoln are really looking for in 2025, why the "more rooms, more income" model is outdated, and how to redesign, refurbish, and reposition your property for long-term success.
The days of mismatched furniture and barely-there decor are long gone. Today’s students have grown up with Pinterest, Instagram, and Airbnb. They value aesthetics, comfort, and convenience. Many are living away from home for the first time, and they want their accommodation to feel like a home—not a stopgap.
Factors driving this change include:
Social Media Influence: Students are comparing their spaces with friends across the country, and they want homes they can proudly post online.
Parental Involvement: Parents, often involved in the house-hunting process, are prioritising safety, cleanliness, and modern amenities.
Hybrid Learning & Remote Study: With more students studying from home part-time, having a well-designed workspace and comfortable home environment is essential.
Based on trends we’ve seen across our Lincoln portfolio, these are the key features and styles that students are actively looking for:
Students want design-led interiors that feel curated and unique. Think bold accent walls, feature lighting, and interesting textures. Properties like the ones we manage with exposed brick, dark-toned kitchens, and mid-century style furnishings consistently outperform standard lets.
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to HMOs. Many of our best-performing properties have shifted from 5- and 7-bedroom homes into 6-4bed layouts with large bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. This allows for higher per-room rental values, lower tenant turnover, and fewer management headaches.
Demand for ensuite rooms is through the roof. Students value their privacy, especially in shared houses. Converting traditional bedrooms into larger ensuite spaces is one of the best ways to increase rental value.
Students want open-plan kitchens and lounges that look and feel like something from a design magazine. Integrated appliances, stylish lighting, and sociable seating areas matter.
With hybrid learning here to stay, providing dedicated desk space, good lighting, and fast broadband isn’t just a bonus—it’s expected.
Many Lincoln landlords still cling to the belief that more rooms = more rent. But in 2025, this model is proving outdated.
Occupancy Issues: Oversized student houses are harder to fill as students actively avoid cramped conditions.
Lower Per-Room Rents: Smaller rooms or houses without key features rent for significantly less.
Regulation and Planning: Lincoln Council is becoming increasingly strict on overcrowding and HMO licensing. Upgrading can help maintain compliance.
One of the best ways to reposition your student property is to adopt an Airbnb mindset. That means prioritising:
Design & Presentation: Well-lit spaces, plants, artwork, and premium finishes.
Experience & Comfort: Cosy touches, thoughtful layouts, homely vibes.
Uniqueness: Distinct themes or interior styles that set your property apart.
When your property feels like an experience, not just a room, students will pay more and stay longer.
To meet student demand in 2025 and beyond, here’s what you should be considering:
It may sound counterintuitive, but reducing your 6-bed HMO to a 4-bed with ensuites can make your property more desirable and profitable. You'll earn higher rents per room and appeal to a broader demographic.
Use bold colour palettes, stylish light fixtures, and luxury finishes. Don’t underestimate the impact of high-quality furniture and thoughtful design—from Scandinavian minimalism to industrial chic, a coherent interior design theme makes a difference.
From forest green panelling to navy walls with gold accents (like in our Sewell’s Walk property), students are increasingly drawn to design details.
It’s not enough to make the house look good—you need to showcase it effectively. Properties with high-quality, well-lit photography receive significantly more enquiries.
Focus on things like:
Ample plug sockets
Built-in desks
Smart heating systems
Blackout blinds
High-speed WiFi coverage throughout
Take a look at some of our most successful Lincoln student houses:
Sewell’s Walk: A former 7-bed transformed into 4 stunning ensuite rooms, complete with navy blue interiors, panelled walls, designer lighting, and curated art. It let within 48 hours of going live.
Grey & Timber Lounge Spaces: Properties with grey soft furnishings, natural woods, and layered lighting deliver a modern feel that appeals across the board.
Split-Tone Bedrooms: Bedrooms with colour blocking (green or blue against crisp white) and hotel-style beds consistently photograph better and receive more attention online.
Student demand is rising, but so is competition. Lincoln has seen an influx of purpose-built student blocks and refurbished houses. To stand out, private landlords must level up.
We’re already seeing the data: our best-designed homes rent faster, command higher prices, and enjoy fewer void periods. Design isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Lincoln’s student market is evolving rapidly. Landlords who invest in their properties and treat their offering like a product—not just a room—will be the ones who thrive in 2025 and beyond.
You don’t have to be an interior designer to succeed, but you do need to start thinking like your tenants. What would make you excited to live in a space? What would you show off to your friends? What would make you stay longer?
If you’re ready to improve your rental yield, reduce tenant churn, and future-proof your property, Student Housing is here to help. We’ll guide you through everything from interior design consultations to full refurb project management. Let’s make your property the one everyone wants to live in.
Need help upgrading your student property in Lincoln? Contact the team at Student Housing today. We offer free property consultations, design guidance, and full refurbishment project management to help you attract the best tenants and maximise your income.
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#1 Student Lettings Agency
Student Housing is a top-rated student lettings agency offering fully furnished, bills-included accommodation across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull. Run by former students, we provide hassle-free, transparent housing tailored for university life.
