Student Tenant believes that smart decor decisions can lift bookings, improve reviews, and increase rental ROI. This practical guide helps UK landlords choose useful upgrades that appeal to students.
What useful decor choices should UK landlords prioritise to attract students?
These targeted decor options will integrate style and functionality, where landlords can incorporate functional, low-cost renovations that instantaneously improve listing value and satisfaction to tenants. To examine further the cost-benefit analysis, refer to our blog, Best upgrades that boost student rental ROI.
Key points:
Neutral, modern paint and coordinated accents
Robust, ergonomically designed study furniture
Practical storage and smart lighting
Easy-clean flooring and clear communal zones
Explanation:
Neutral paint creates a clean backdrop for photos and viewings while allowing students to personalise with posters and textiles. Investing in sturdy desks and chairs improves long-term durability and reduces maintenance calls. Clever storage, such as under-bed drawers and wall shelving, makes small rooms feel larger. Practical lighting and easy-clean floors appeal to busy students and make properties easier to manage between tenancies.
Which furniture choices give the best value for student lets?
Choosing the right furniture balances cost with durability; landlords should opt for practical pieces that withstand frequent use and meet student needs. For more detailed insights, see Furnished vs Unfurnished Student Lets: Cost Guide.
Key points:
Solid desks with cable management
Ergonomic desk chairs
Robust beds with under-bed storage
Modular sofas or easy-to-clean communal seating
Explanation:
Solid desks that include cable channels reduce clutter and protect devices, which students value for studying. Ergonomic chairs support long study sessions and reduce complaints. Beds with built-in storage free up floor space. In communal rooms, modular seating that is stain-resistant and easy to move supports social life and property photos for listings.
What lighting and tech upgrades increase bookings the most?
Well-planned lighting and basic tech add convenience and perceived value; students often choose properties that feel "move-in ready." Our blog How to select furnishings that students want explores how small tech-enabled furniture choices improve property desirability.
Key points:
Layered lighting: ceiling, task, and ambient lights
Desk lamps with adjustable intensity
Fast broadband-ready wiring or a clear broadband plan
USB charging points and extra sockets
Explanation:
Layered lighting helps photos and creates study-friendly zones. Desk lamps with adjustable light are useful and portable. Advertising broadband speed or providing a pre-wired connection is useful for international students arranging studies remotely. USB ports and extra sockets are small upgrades that reduce friction on move-in day and appear in many positive tenancy reviews.
How useful are communal-area upgrades for student retention and bookings?
Communal spaces shape student life and influence booking decisions; landlords who prioritise comfort and functionality see stronger demand. For more practical advice on affordable upgrades, check out Creative Ways to Furnish Your Student Property in the UK on a Budget (Landlord Edition).
Key points:
Comfortable seating and study-friendly tables
Defined dining and study zones
Practical storage for shared items
Clear, well-lit circulation spaces
Explanation:
Communal upgrades encourage social study habits and a sense of community. Furnished, multi-use tables double as dining and group-work spaces. Comfortable sofas that are easy to clean and maintain a guest-ready appearance. These features lead to better tenant reviews and quicker re-lettings.
Which decor choices help photos and online listings convert better?
Online photos sell tenancies; staging with useful decor highlights functionality and lifestyle for prospective students.
Key points:
Declutter for photos and highlight functional zones
Use soft textiles and cushions to add warmth
Show study areas clearly with a desk setup
Photograph communal zones staged for social use
Explanation:
Well-staged photos that show clearly defined study, sleep, and social zones help students imagine living there. Simple stylistic touches, such as cushions and a rug, make rooms feel lived-in without cluttering. Listing copy that mentions practical features like built-in storage or broadband-ready wiring reinforces the images.
Useful shopping examples landlords can explore
When choosing practical furnishings or decor, UK landlords can look at budget-friendly retailers. For bedding and quick decor refreshes, you can explore Primark's uni room decor inspiration. For affordable storage and furniture solutions suited to student properties, The Range offers versatile options that are easy to manage between tenancies.
Final thoughts
Decor that eases the life of students and makes less work for landlords on their part should be viewed as functional and decent choices are those that make good-looking images on the internet to distinguish the property among others. Student Tenant can assist landlords to list and market properties that have these features, which enhances appeal, boosts the number of bookings and rental returns. The thoughtful refurbishment of upgraded flooring, making it easier to clean, upgraded work study furniture, and layered lighting systems not only lowers maintenance but also promotes positive reviews and quicker re-letting. Landlords can address the students' needs by designing the communal areas, including storage and seating, their ease of cleaning and comfort to create a useful living environment. Marketing text pointing out broadband-enabled connections, well-defined study areas, and trendy furniture leaves a lasting impression on the mind of a possible tenant. Post your enhanced property in Student Tenant today and be surprised by how helpful repairs can reduce void periods. Share your favourite decor tip in the comments, bookmark this guide and post it to a fellow landlord.