Swansea, a coastal city in South Wales, UK, is home to a diverse community of residents and a growing student population, thanks to it being home to the third largest university in Wales.
With its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and affordable cost of living, Swansea has become a popular destination for students from all over the world. In recent years, the city has seen an increase in the number of student accommodations being built to cater to the growing demand.
So let’s examine whether investing in student accommodation in Swansea is a worthwhile venture or not. We will consider the current demographics of the area, the demand for student accommodation, and the potential for return on investment. By exploring these factors, we hope to provide valuable insights for those considering investing in student accommodation in Swansea.
What does the Swansea rental market look like?
As of February 2023, there are currently 275 private properties available for rent in Swansea with rent for a property Swansea averaging £1,213 per month. The majority of properties available for rent fall into the £500 to £1,000 per month range, with 109 properties available. Only one property is available for rent for over £5,000 per month, highlighting the fact that it is students and families looking for affordable housing family-friendly housing in the area rather than high earners.
The average property value in Swansea is £190,544, and investment properties in Swansea see an average rental income of £811.18 per month, providing an average yield of 5.11%. The new build premium for Swansea investment properties is £64,601, which is cheaper than in Cardiff, Wales, and the UK overall.
How many Universities does Swansea have?
Swansea has two universities – Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Swansea University was founded in 1920 as the University College of Swansea, and it became a university in 2007. The university has grown significantly over the years and is now home to students from more than 120 countries. The university has seven colleges, including the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Engineering, and the College of Medicine. Swansea University is known for its strong research focus, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
Swansea is also home to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, which has a long history dating back to the 1800s, with a merger of several institutions leading to the creation of the university in its current form in 2010. The university has three main campuses, including one in Swansea, and offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university has a strong focus on creativity and innovation, with emphasis on the arts, design, and technology. It is also the oldest Royal Chartered University in Wales.
Both universities attract a significant number of students to Swansea each year, with Swansea University having the larger student body of the two. The universities have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Swansea, and the city has become a popular destination for students from around the world.
How many students are there in Swansea?
As of the 2021/2022 academic year, the two universities in Swansea have a total student population of approximately 27,000. Swansea University has around 21,000 students, while the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has approximately 6,000. The large student population in Swansea means that there is a constant demand for student accommodation, making it an attractive market for property investors looking for a stable and potentially profitable investment opportunity. With the growing number of students, investing in student accommodation in Swansea can be a worthwhile venture, particularly for those looking for a long-term investment with a reliable income stream. So why not sell a tenanted property elsewhere and reinvest in Swansea to take advantage of the strong yield potential?
Does Swansea have popular student areas?
If you are a student planning to study in Swansea, it’s important to find the right area to live in. Swansea offers several great options for students looking to settle in the area. Here are some of the top areas to consider:
Uplands
Uplands is probably the most popular place for students to live in Swansea. This part of town is home to both Swansea University and Swansea Metropolitan University students. Walter Road is the ideal location to find accommodation, although prices can be slightly higher, it’s worth it.
Brynmill
Brynmill is another popular area. Although the hills can be a bit of a challenge, the quality of housing and proximity to campus makes it worth it.
Bay Campus
This area is popular with first-year students and postgraduates due to its proximity to campus. Although it’s more expensive than other areas, the facilities are excellent, and the surrounding area is very safe.
Sketty
Sketty is a great place to start if you’re new to the city. The houses here may not be as high quality as in Uplands or Brynmill, but they offer excellent value for money. Sketty is located close to campus, and the city centre is within reach by bus.
What do students look for in accommodation?
When considering investing in property in Swansea, it is important to understand what students look for in an accommodation. Providing accommodation that meets the needs of students is a key factor in attracting tenants and generating rental income. The five things that students typically look for in accommodation are affordability, location, quality, safety, and amenities. By offering properties that meet these criteria, investors can ensure that their investment in Swansea’s student accommodation market is a success. With its vibrant student population, Swansea is an excellent location to invest in student accommodation, and by focusing on these key factors, investors can make the most of this growing market.
As we can see, Swansea is a great place to invest in student accommodation due to its large student population, the presence of multiple universities, and the high demand for rental properties in the area. The city’s various student areas, such as Uplands, Brynmill, and Bay Campus, offer attractive options for investors to consider. Additionally, Swansea’s comparatively lower property prices and higher rental yields provide excellent investment opportunities for those interested in student accommodation.
Overall, investing in student accommodation in Swansea can be a smart financial decision for those looking for long-term returns on their investments so definitely have it near the top of your list if looking for UK cities to invest in over the coming year or two.
