M
ore students than ever are already securing next year’s housing this term, with half of one leading letting agents’ properties gone already.
Cardens Estate Agents, which boasts 270 student properties, has seen stronger demand this term than in the last five years, Exeposé has been informed, despite the Students’ Guild not holding a housing fair until January.
Jon Carden commented: “The growth in student numbers this year has seen a marked increase in demand at an earlier stage than in previous years.
“Within ten days of launching our accommodation list for 2016/7, we had let twice as many properties as at the same stage last year and therefore we will have significantly fewer properties to market in the new year and at the Accommodation Fair. Certainly from the perspective of letting agents in general, there are no properties held back from the market until the new year and all are being marketed fully at the present time.”
Over the last two weeks, the Students’ Guild Advice Unit have received 25 enquiries looking for accommodation or contract checks, compared to just six in the same period last year- a 300 per cent increase.
However, the unit told Exeposé they “strongly recommend” students wait until housing week in January to start looking.
Student letting agency Star have let three quarters of their 175 properties within the first week and a half after being released to the market.
A worker at Star said: “We’ll only be going to the Housing Fair if we’ve got any properties left. Last year we only had eight properties there.”
An anonymous second-year Politics student said: “I waited until January last year and it was one of the most stressful weeks of my life. After the Housing Fair, we booked several viewings but had them all cancelled at the last minute.”
Numerous estate agents contacted by Exeposé cited concerns with Article 4 planning restrictions that limit property owners’ rights to use their home as multiple occupancy.
Jon Carden added: “With the added factor of the Article Four Directive restricting further conversion of houses to student homes in the popular areas, there have inevitably been rent increases for students to contend with.”
The University Advice Unit runs a free contract checking service, with students able to submit contracts for checking either online or in person.
This year’s Housing Fair will be held on 12 January as part of Housing Week, where there will be housemate finder events and free contract checking.
A student who found their house through the Housing Fair told Exeposé: “I’m really happy with it. It’s in a great location and not at all a rip off. I’m glad I waited to choose who I live with rather than rushing into things.”
VP Welfare and Diversity Naomi Armstrong said: “It is very concerning that students are rushing to sign housing contracts already, with people they have only known for a few weeks. It is easy to get carried away as rumours begin to circulate, but the Housing Week in January is the best time to start house-hunting. This includes the Housing Fair, when the bulk of properties will be released by landlords, agents and the University.
“Housing Volunteers will be on hand to help you with house hunting, as well as contract checking services and a housemate finder event. Exeter has a surplus of student housing and students who get the best deals are those who take their time and consider their options.”
There has been a recent influx of private accomodation providers in Exeter, with one company claiming they are “part of the solution to the city’s housing crisis”.
A very helpful item which will provide helpful guidance for students looking for accommodation. Already so many disappointed because they have been told to wait until after Christmas. Maybe a idea for Expose to bring together key players to make sure there is no such confusion for students in future years.