High demand for student accommodation has led the council to make it compulsory from next year to require planning permission for all those properties with people sharing over three who are not related.

Those areas close to high demand will find it difficult to achieve approval due to local objections, time to look further afield for properties, land and any building which may be suitable for conversion.

During the last few years we have gained experience dealing with the local authority and clients who have been surprised in the number of units we have managed to obtain on sites and buildings which  otherwise would be redundant or give a much lower return.  The overall return can be considerable compared with  normal rented property. Gone have the days of pits for the students, in comes en suite accommodation with Internet connection, secure accommodation and quality living similar to a  good quality hotel. This does mean that the return is so much higher with room values set to achieve £100 per week next year.

If you have a property or land we will  visit and let you know our view on the possibility of its change of use to student accommodation, there is no cost for this first visit. We are also aware of land and property which would be suitable for student accommodation, give a call  if you feel we can help.

It would appear due to the recession we are seeing more and more people extending their homes rather than moving. This work often includes the need for planning permission and finding the right contractor. Living on a building site for up to six months needs someone who knows and respects the need of the client and someone to control the contractor.

Architects are well placed to organise this and get the most out of a space, increase the value of the property while keeping costs down by controlling the contract from  inception to completion.