Visiting London this summer? Turn your child’s education into a smart property investment

Many overseas parents have children studying in London and are considering whether to rent or own a property. With average rents in the capital the highest in the UK, parents are realising the benefits of investing in property to support their child’s education and using it as a source of consistent income and long-term capital.

As one of the world’s top-ranked student cities, London welcomes nearly 150,000 international students each year across its elite university campuses. These include prestigious institutions like University College London (UCL), Imperial College London (ICL), King’s College London, SOAS, The London School of Economics (LSE), Queen Mary and many more.

While most of these universities offer campus accommodation, also known as university halls of residence, it is often limited or reserved for first-year or postgraduate students. Also, since most of these are shared housing options, many students choose private rentals, which again cost more but offer more space and comfort. Therefore, if you are a parent visiting London this summer, we can show you some of the most sought-after new homes across exciting neighbourhoods.

Why parents are choosing to buy instead of renting

London stands out as a global business, financial, education and lifestyle hub, where demand consistently outstrips supply, making it a hotspot for property investment. For parents, investing in a London property serves a dual purpose: it allows them to secure a comfortable home for their child during their university years, which can later be used to build their own wealth and earn rental income.

Read more on why buying a property for educational purposes is so popular in London.

A strong student rental market

The University of London Housing Services (ULHS), which helps students find accommodation, reported that over 211,000 students are enrolled across its campuses and that 60% of these students use private rentals. Private rentals are often preferred by many overseas students who prioritise comfort and privacy to help them excel in academic pursuits. While homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 postcodes are highly sought-after for their proximity to central London universities, connectivity and lifestyle appeal, many other neighbourhoods in Outer London with seamless transport links also see robust demand.

Find out more about what makes students great tenants in London.

New homes near top London universities

When investing in a London property for students, proximity to the university their child will attend is usually the top priority for most parents. However, since buying a London home is also a long-term investment, parents tend to seek a balance between academics and other factors that drive rental demand, like amenities, transport, open spaces and other lifestyle needs.

As one of London’s leading estate and lettings agents, we help parents of overseas students find the best new homes near top London universities. Built by some of the UK’s top developers, these properties are just minutes away from college campuses and located in desirable neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Kensington, Chelsea, Westminster, Camden, Canary Wharf and the City.

For universities located in Outer London, such as Brunel, Middlesex and Royal Holloway, we also have an exciting collection of homes in nearby areas like Hayes, Southall, Hendon, Colindale and Hounslow. Surrounded by leafy parks and gardens, these quaint areas are also ideal for families looking to reside away from the city bustle.

Offsetting education fees with rental income

A London education goes beyond just tuition fees, as parents and students also need to factor in the high cost of living, accommodation, insurance and other needs. According to several leading experts, the net average cost of higher education in London can range from £30,000 to £50,000 per year.

Despite the significant upfront costs involved in buying a London property, the long-term rental yield and value appreciation are financial rewards that not only offset education fees but also contribute to portfolio diversification, regular income and wealth building. Parents who wish to generate immediate rental income can also invest in larger apartments and houses for their children to share with fellow students.

Read more on why London is attractive to students from around the world.

A personalised property tour in London

At Benham and Reeves, we have 21 branches across the UK capital to help you find the right property that matches your child’s education needs and your budget. Our advanced search feature also lets you find homes close to the university of your choice, which you can physically view during your visit to London. Once you let us know about your location and other property preferences, our experts will customise a tailored property tour to view the options you select and also support you through the entire buying and lettings process.

Are you ready to start your London property tour this summer? Get in touch with our experts to book your slot today.