The University of Lincoln Is Growing – What That Means for Student Landlords

If you’re a student landlord in Lincoln, one trend matters more than most: the number of students at the University of Lincoln has grown steadily, and significantly over the last decade.

Back in 2014/15, the University of Lincoln had 13,265 enrolled students. Fast forward to 2024/25, and that figure has jumped to 20,156. That’s an increase of 6,891 students — a 52% rise over ten years.

This isn’t a short-term spike. This is long-term, compounding growth year after year, and it’s reshaping the local housing landscape.

📈 A Decade of Consistent Growth

To put things into perspective:

• 2015/16 saw modest growth of 1.6% (up by 210 students)

• By 2017/18, enrolment had climbed to nearly 15,000 — an increase of 13% in just three years

• Between 2018/19 and 2020/21, the university added more than 1,600 students

• The biggest leap came in 2022/23, when student numbers surged by 9.7% in a single year

• Even now, growth continues: 2024/25 saw an increase of 2.3% on the previous year

This kind of year-on-year expansion tells a clear story: Lincoln remains a highly attractive university city, and student numbers are expected to stay strong in the years ahead.

🏡 What This Means for Student Landlords

1. There’s a Bigger Pool of Tenants — But They’re More Discerning

More students mean more renters, yes — but they’re not choosing properties blindly. Today’s tenants are savvy, comparison-driven, and have clear expectations. The properties that perform best aren’t just available — they’re appealing. Think modern furnishings, fast internet, inclusive bills, and properties that feel like home.

2. Second- and Third-Years Still Favour HMOs

While many first-years go into university-managed halls or private PBSA, most students still move into shared houses from their second year onwards. That’s where traditional HMOs continue to shine — offering affordability, flexibility, and a social environment that purpose-built blocks often lack.

3. Late Letting and Group Changes Are the New Normal

With a larger and more diverse student population comes more movement. Group splits, last-minute relocations, late joiners — these are increasingly common. Properties that are clean, well-presented, and flexible on tenancy dates stand a better chance of letting even outside the peak season.

4. The Best-Run Properties Always Rise to the Top

In a growing market, the temptation is to think anything will let. But students talk. They leave reviews. They follow Instagram accounts. They avoid poor-quality housing. Well-managed homes — whether self-managed or through an agency — consistently outperform even cheaper competitors.

🎓 Lincoln Is a Long-Term Play

Not all university cities are growing; some are plateauing or even shrinking. But Lincoln continues to build on its reputation. A strong academic offer, expanding facilities, and a manageable cost of living all make it attractive to both UK and international students.

For landlords, that means stability. Yes, the market is more competitive than it was ten years ago. But with over 20,000 students, the demand is there — especially for properties that get the basics right.

🧠 Final Thought

Lincoln’s student housing market isn’t just surviving; it’s evolving. Landlords who take the time to understand changing student needs, maintain their properties to a good standard, and market proactively will continue to see strong demand in a growing city.

If you’re already in the Lincoln market, now’s the time to invest in presentation, pricing, and flexibility. And if you’re considering becoming a landlord here? The long-term trend is hard to ignore.