Finally, a specialist student lettings agency

For landlords, the student rental market has well documented high yields but this sector can be labour intensive because for the majority of students this is likely to be the first time away from home and they are often unprepared for the responsibility of running a household.

Anthony Arkwright, a well known face in the Winchester property market has established ahome4students, with his business partner Tony Lindesay, where there is a new approach to renting and managing student housing.

At ahome4students the team firmly believes in making clear at the outset the responsibilities and expectations of the landlords and tenants and, in return for a smart, well run home for the duration of their studies, the tenants are expected to respect the property which ultimately leads to a harmonious relationship between landlord, agent and student.

These are formative years for students who often look back on their university days as the launchpad into adulthood and sharing a home with like-minded chums usually results in lifelong friendships.

Anthony explains the thought process behind the initiative: “We have been directly involved in accommodating students since starting Lindesays Arkwright in 1998 and in that time we have really learnt what it takes to maximise the investment whilst at the same time, give these tenants a fair service. These two aims are not mutually exclusive!

“At ahome4students we propose a new approach, to remove the need for the high street office and make everything available on an easy-to-use website, which provides 24 hour access via private dashboards for both landlords and tenants to find any document they want and need, including contracts, agreements, inventories and accounts. They will have the facility to report, arrange and pay for maintenance in a fast and efficient manner. Of course we are also at the end of the phone and happy to meet if you wish to speak to us!”

Regular reports on the condition of the property, recommended enhanced maintenance and advice for improvements in order to maximise your return are all given as part of the service.

Anthony continues: “We have a total of 18 years’ experience in the student letting market and are dedicating all our efforts to this sector. We are joined by Jeannette Minns, who brings her ten years of experience in Winchester and she will be very much involved in the day-to-day management of the properties, with a reliable team of tradesmen to call upon, and a pro-active maintenance scheme with planning of future works which maintains the long term value of the property.

“Available properties will be listed on ahome4students.com, Rightmove and StuRents with full on-line access for students who prefer using the internet to browse properties and arrange viewings. Document signing via email will be available for all parties, there will be personal guidance to the students on how to look after their home, appealing lower student fees, and offering landlords excellent value for money as we don’t need a high street office.

Anthony concludes: “We would love the opportunity to talk to landlords in more detail about this unique service. If you already have a student property in Winchester before you sign up with your agent again, have a look at our website and get in touch. Otherwise if you are considering entering the student rental market as an investment option, discuss optimum areas with us first as this is paramount to the success of the portfolio.”

Contact Anthony at www.ahome4students.com  Anthony.arkwright@ahome4students.com  01962 676269