💡 Why Nottingham Landlords Should Embrace “Bills‑Included” Student Lets in 2025

In recent years, the landscape of student accommodation has evolved dramatically. With the rise of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and growing expectations around convenience, more students now seek properties that offer all-inclusive packages. This means rent covers not only the physical room but also gas, electricity, water, internet, and often TV licences. For Nottingham landlords, especially those letting to students at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, this is more than a passing trend—it's becoming the industry standard.

The National Shift to All-Inclusive Renting

Across the UK, student housing is transitioning from basic, unfurnished rooms to turnkey living solutions. According to recent reports by Unipol and Savills, more than 80% of PBSA providers now offer bills-included rents as standard. In university halls, the figure is even higher. The reasoning is simple: students want simplicity, and parents (often guarantors) want predictability.

For students, this model means:

• No need to set up utility accounts or manage multiple bill payments.

• No risk of fallouts over shared bills.

• More predictable budgeting, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

For landlords, it opens doors to:

• Higher appeal on property portals (Rightmove/Zoopla often let users filter by 'bills included').

• Smoother marketing and fewer barriers to conversion.

• The opportunity to wrap utility costs into rent at a margin—maximising yield.

According to StuRents, the average all-inclusive rent for a student house in Nottingham is £137 per week, compared to £120 for rent-exclusive options. The premium reflects the value students place on convenience.

Nottingham’s Student Housing Market: A 2025 Snapshot

Nottingham is a vibrant student city, home to over 70,000 students across its two major universities. This makes it the 4th largest student population in the UK. Neighbourhoods like Lenton, Beeston, and The Arboretum are in constant demand thanks to their proximity to campus, nightlife, and transport.

For landlords:

• Student HMOs in Lenton typically yield 7–9%, compared to 5.5% for standard buy-to-lets.

• The market has been resilient post-pandemic, with high occupancy rates across quality properties.

• International student numbers have surged—particularly from China, India, and Nigeria—further fuelling demand for modern, all-in-one housing.

According to PBSA News, while some PBSA bookings have softened nationally, cities like Nottingham are bucking the trend due to balanced supply and steady demand.

The Business Case for Bills-Included Letting in Nottingham

1. Simple Budgeting for Students

With energy prices still volatile, offering a set rent that includes utilities makes life easier for tenants. Students typically budget based on what’s left after student finance, so fixed-cost housing removes a major headache.

2. Operational Efficiency

Landlords can centralise billing through providers like UniHomes, Fused, or Huddle, streamlining admin while maintaining profit. Tenancy turnovers align neatly with the academic year, so consistent cash flow is easier to forecast.

3. Appeals to International and Out-of-Town Students

Many international students arrive in the UK with no idea how to set up a broadband contract, or what a council tax exemption is. Bills-included housing removes a major friction point and makes your property more attractive.

4. Differentiation and Design Advantage

With many landlords still offering dated, poorly maintained homes, those who invest in modern décor, quality furniture, and seamless digital experiences (online booking, virtual tours) stand out fast. You’ll attract better tenants—and more of them.

What Makes a Good Student House in Nottingham (That Actually Lets!)

To consistently let your student property in Nottingham, you need to exceed—not meet—expectations. Here’s what tenants now look for:

✅ Design-Led Interiors

Take inspiration from Airbnb and PBSA aesthetics: clean lines, stylish colour palettes, Instagram-worthy spaces. En-suites are now seen as a premium upgrade, and even shared bathrooms need to feel fresh and functional.

✅ Communal Spaces That Invite Community

Today’s students prioritise social time. Large sofas, smart TVs, modern kitchens, and even extras like coffee machines and breakfast bars help foster a homely feel. Thoughtful touches go a long way.

✅ Function Over Flash

Good lighting, blackout blinds, ample plug sockets, USB ports, desks in every room—these are basics now. Durable surfaces and easy-clean materials keep maintenance down and user experience up.

✅ Tech-Ready Environments

Fast, reliable WiFi is non-negotiable. Consider mesh networks or boosters for larger properties. Smart heating controls are also a plus.

Maximising Returns Without Compromise

You might wonder: won’t including bills eat into my profits? Not necessarily. When set up right, bills-inclusive rents offer better gross yields. You control the contract, set usage limits, and bundle everything into a single competitive figure.

Use partners like:

• Glide or Fused for fair usage billing.

• UniHomes for an all-in-one model passed onto tenants.

• Student Housing We can manage the bills process for landlords, make it simple!

The end result: less friction, more occupancy, and ultimately a better tenant and landlord experience.

Final Thoughts

Nottingham’s student housing market is competitive—but highly profitable if approached correctly. All-inclusive, design-led homes are no longer a novelty—they're the benchmark. By understanding what students want and delivering it consistently, you’ll reduce voids, justify higher rents, and future-proof your portfolio.

Whether you’re letting your first student HMO or scaling your portfolio, remember: ease, quality, and clarity win the day.

For expert advice or to list your student property in Nottingham with bills included, visit student-housing.co.uk/nottingham.

Want to discuss property yields, renovations, or bills-inclusive packages? Email us at hello@student-housing.co.uk or call 01157 848 600.