Why Landlords Should Still Invest in Student Housing in Lincoln: 2025/26 Outlook
Harry Conti
Founder & Director
The student rental market in Lincoln has undergone a decade of evolution—but not extinction. Despite a growing dominance of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), Lincoln remains a highly viable and attractive city for private landlords offering shared student housing (HMOs). As we look ahead to the 2025/26 academic year, there's strong evidence that well-managed, competitively priced HMOs in Lincoln are not only surviving—they're thriving.
Booking Patterns: What Landlords Need to Know
Gone are the days when student houses in Lincoln were fully let by Jan. Since 2022, students have taken longer to commit to properties, with many still house-hunting well into June, July and August. This trend isn’t a sign of declining demand—just a more cautious, informed student body. Landlords should adjust their marketing strategies to reflect this elongated letting cycle. The good news? Final September occupancy rates remain strong.
PBSA vs HMO: Two Markets, Two Audiences
While Lincoln has seen a surge in PBSA developments over the past 10 years, these often come at a premium. PBSA studios can cost upwards of £170/week, whereas a good-quality HMO typically rents at £105–£130/week with bills included. The price gap is significant—and it matters. Thousands of students still opt for private houses because they offer better value, more space, Outside space, Parking, Freedom and the ability to live with friends.
According to the University of Lincoln Students' Union, HMO living remains particularly popular with second- and third-year undergraduates. PBSA appeals to first-years and international students looking for convenience. As such, the demand for student houses is not disappearing—it's segmenting. Landlords offering well-maintained HMOs in the right locations can still tap into strong, consistent demand.
Regulation, Reputation & Competitive Edge
Yes, regulation is tightening. The Renters' Rights Bill will bring big changes in 2025, and licensing requirements remain strict in Lincoln's Article 4 area. But this doesn't mean the market is off-limits. It means quality matters more than ever. Agents and landlords who offer safe, accredited, well-maintained housing are best positioned to succeed. In fact, many students actively seek out accredited landlords and use CribAdvisor-style review platforms to inform their choices. At Student Housing we're a leading partner within the University of Lincoln Students Union acreditation scheme and advertise via the Students Union website and physical locations throughout campus.
Lincoln’s most successful student agents, (like us at Student Housing), are reporting near-100% occupancy rates, even amid tougher conditions each septmber. Our edge? High property standards, realistic pricing, and strong student engagement. Landlords who follow suit—or work with proactive agents—can still enjoy excellent returns.
A Market Maturing, Not Shrinking
Lincoln’s student rental market is maturing. New PBSA schemes are slowing down as the city approaches capacity, and universities along with the city council are pushing back against overdevelopment. Meanwhile, student numbers continue to increase year on year, and the cost-of-living crisis has made HMOs even more attractive to price-sensitive tenants.
In short: demand hasn't vanished—it's shifted. The properties that continue to let well are those that combine affordability, quality, and location. As one PBSA operator recently noted, "Students wanting HMOs are not interested in PBSA’s, and equally, if a student wants to live in a PBSA then it is unlikely they are even considering an HMO."
Final Thoughts for Lincoln Landlords
Now is not the time to exit the student market in Lincoln. Rather, it’s time to refine your offer. Focus on:
Upgrading older properties to meet modern expectations (en-suites, open-plan kitchens, etc.)
Ensuring full compliance with licensing and safety standards
Offering all-inclusive rent packages
Partnering with experienced, student-focused letting agents
The student rental market in Lincoln is no longer a race to let properties first; it’s a contest to offer the best value. Offering perks, quality accommodation and unique facilities is where we win. Landlords who embrace this shift will continue to see solid occupancy and sustainable income in 2025/26 and beyond.
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Harry Conti
Founder & Director
Harry started Student Housing while at university after seeing how poorly students were treated by traditional letting agents. Today, he leads the company across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull, with a focus on fair pricing, great service, and student-first thinking.
