Leeds has been named as one of the top 10 cities in the UK for private student accommodation.

According to research carried out by commercial property adviser GVA, Leeds ranked sixth in the country for students choosing to buy rather than rent homes. The news follows a considerable expansion of the private housing sector across Yorkshire.

The study analysed 27 student towns and cities, and ranked neighbouring areas York and Sheffield in third and fourth
respectively.

Dai Powell, part of GVA’s Leeds based team, said: “Cities such as Leeds and Sheffield have seen a lot of major new student development over recent years.”

Third year Dentistry student Jamie Ralston told LS: “I was considering buying my own accommodation as a long term investment due to shit interest on money in banks.”

A third year Medic told LS that they bought their own house because: “a private house meant that I could avoid the considerable expense of renting, secure a long term investment whilst getting housemates to pay the upkeep costs.”

The study revealed that nearly three quarters of privately owned student accommodation is accounted for in Yorkshire.

Across the UK, it is estimated that 47 per cent of student accommodation is currently privately owned, with Unite being the largest private owner, accounting for 22 per cent of the private market.

Fiona Tomas

Photo: Sam Broadley