🏡 10 Things Student Landlords in Loughborough Need to Know Before Letting in 2025

Letting to students in Loughborough remains attractive, but it’s no longer a “set-and-forget” market. With planning restrictions, shifting demand, and strong competition, landlords must be informed and proactive.

1. High Demand Meets Higher Expectations

Loughborough University serves ~19,000 students, though only about half are satisfied with the value of their accommodation, per national surveys (Loughborough research) and (StuRents report).

Landmark projects from Loughborough University continue to expand capacity by over 500 high-spec bedspaces on campus (Avison Young planning consultation).

2. Article 4 Direction: Planning Permission Required

Charnwood Borough Council introduced an Article 4 Direction in February 2012, meaning C3 to C4 conversions require planning approval in Loughborough (see example application).

• If 20% or more of homes within 100 m are already HMOs, your planning application is almost certainly rejected (Charnwood SPD reference).

• Check HMO concentrations via the Charnwood planning SPD or council mapping.

🔗 Charnwood Borough Council Planning

3. HMO Licensing: Know the Rules

Charnwood requires a licence for mandatory HMOs:

• Occupied by 5+ people in 2+ households, regardless of storeys (since October 2018) (Council documentation).

There’s no Additional Licensing scheme in place currently (Loughborough University guidance).

Licensing fees are split in two stages—from £395 upfront, rising to around £700 total—with a discount if you’re DASH-accredited (Charnwood HMO licensing PDF).

4. Students Booking Later & Oversupply Risks

In Loughborough and across the UK, student bookings are slowing: only ~36% of rooms booked by March 2025, compared to 46% in 2024 (The Times report).

This reflects market oversupply, particularly in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).

5. PBSA Competition Is Real—and Growing

PBSA providers offering gyms, cafés, cleaning, and concierge services are winning over students—particularly second and third years—even at rents exceeding £2,000/month (The Times article).

With slower construction of new PBSA in 2025, traditional landlords can still compete—but only with upgraded, modern standards (HEPI analysis).

6. Market Challenges in Loughborough

• Aging HMO stock: older houses with small rooms and tired decor are less competitive.

• Studentification pressure: neighbourhood imbalance creates tension and stricter planning enforcement (Loughborough study on de-studentification).

• Affordability issues: rent increases outpacing maintenance loans drive students to seek better value (Lancaster University research).

7. Safety & Compliance: Non‑Negotiable

Landlords must comply with:

• Annual Gas Safety checks

• 5-yearly EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

• Smoke and CO detectors, correctly placed and tested

• Fire risk assessments for HMOs

Expect increased enforcement from the council and possible fines for lapses.

8. Include Bills—but Manage Consumption

All-inclusive rents are now standard in the student market. To avoid overuse and financial risk, implement:

• Fair-use clauses

• Smart meters

• Trusted bill-splitting providers

This appeals to tenants while protecting your margins.

9. Strategic Letting Calendar

The student cycle is fixed:

• Viewings start by November

• Leases are usually signed by December

• Most tenancies run from July–June, with September move-ins

Miss the letting season, and you risk a full 12-month void.

10. Reputation & Reviews Drive Bookings

Students rely on:

• Google Reviews

• TikTok and Instagram house tours

• Word-of-mouth from peers

Ensure your property is clean, well-maintained, and your communication is responsive. A handful of good reviews can secure your let for years.

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• Meta Title: Loughborough Student Landlords Guide: Article 4, HMO Compliance & Market Trends 2025

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🔗 Useful Links

• Charnwood Borough Council

• Loughborough University

• Charnwood HMO Licensing Guide (PDF)

• HEPI Accommodation Report

• Student Accommodation Booking Trends (The Times)