We went live with our student lettings season on 20 October, and the eight-week period that followed delivered one of our strongest starts in recent years.
As Leamington Spa’s number one student agent, we see the market at every stage of the cycle, and this season has once again underlined the value of timing, pricing insight, and preparation.
Across those first eight weeks, we handled over 1,600 student enquiries, giving us a clear and reliable picture of how demand was building week by week. That depth of enquiry allowed us to read the market accurately and position properties to convert interest into committed groups.
November was, as expected, the busiest and most competitive part of the calendar. To meet that demand and maintain service levels, the business made a significant commitment during this eight-week period. For the first time, we opened seven days a week, extended our weekday opening hours to 6:30pm, and substantially increased our overall capacity. In total, this amounted to over 1,000 additional staff hours dedicated to the student season. This extra capacity ensured enquiries were handled promptly; viewings were accommodated when students were available, and momentum was maintained at the busiest points of the season.
Enquiry levels built steadily through late October and peaked in November, when activity across the town was at its highest.
In one particularly busy week, we carried out over 400 student viewings, which reflects just how intense demand became once momentum really took hold. By the time we reached the Christmas break, overall student letting activity was around 20% higher than at the same point last year, putting many landlords in a far stronger position earlier in the season.
A key part of this success has been bringing properties to market at the right time and at the right price.
Some agents launched earlier in the year, before activity had properly built, and saw properties sit on the market for longer. Our approach focuses on reading demand, advising landlords realistically, and entering the market when students are actively searching and ready to move. That combination meant a large proportion of stock moved into agreed or reserved positions before December, reducing reliance on the post-Christmas rush and avoiding unnecessary pricing pressure later on.
What continues to shape the student market is not a change in behaviour, but clarity around priorities. The ongoing demand for en-suite bedrooms is driven by how students live day to day. With shared houses, busy schedules, and different routines, personal space has become increasingly important. En-suites offer that extra separation and flexibility, which is why these properties often attract quicker decisions.
That said, many properties without en-suites have also let very successfully this season. En-suites are a strong preference rather than a requirement, and well-presented, sensibly priced shared-bathroom homes continue to perform well when they are positioned correctly in the market.
We’ve also seen a clear rise in demand for all-inclusive utilities packages. This is about certainty rather than convenience. With energy costs still a concern, students and their families want predictable monthly outgoings, fewer bill-related disagreements within groups, and a simpler way to budget across the academic year.
At this point in the season, 147 students have opted for a utilities package, compared with 57 at the same stage last year, highlighting how influential cost clarity has become in the decision-making process.
As expected, activity slowed in December once students began leaving for home, with many finishing for the term around 12 December. This seasonal pause is normal and was anticipated, particularly after such a busy November. Crucially, much of the hard work had already been done earlier in the season, leaving our landlords in a secure position heading into the New Year.
Looking ahead into the 2026 season, there will always be further demand from later-deciding groups in January and beyond. But this pre-Christmas performance has once again shown that market insight, realistic pricing, and well-timed launches remain the key ingredients for success in student lettings.
For landlords planning ahead, the message is consistent: understanding when demand truly builds and entering the market prepared continues to deliver the strongest outcomes.
As Leamington Spa’s leading student letting agent, we have proven that strategic timing, insightful pricing, and thorough preparation are the cornerstones of a successful season. Our commitment to excellence has not only met but exceeded expectations, leaving landlords in a stronger position than ever before. As we look ahead to 2026, trust us to continue delivering the strongest outcomes by understanding when demand truly builds and entering the market prepared. Thank you for partnering with us to secure your success in the student lettings market now and in the future.
Key Insights:
- Strong Start to Student Lettings Season at Tara&Co: Over 1,600 Enquiries in Eight Weeks
- Leamington Spa’s Top Student Agent: Timing, Pricing Insight, and Preparation Key to Success
- November Peaks: Over 400 Student Viewings in One Busy Week
- 20% Increase in Student Lettings: Activity by Christmas Break
- Strategic Market Entry: Bringing Properties to Market at the Right Time and Price
- En-Suite Bedrooms in Demand: Personal Space Becomes a Priority for Students
- Rise in All-Inclusive Utilities Packages: Cost Clarity Influences Student Decisions
- Pre-Christmas Success: Landlords Securely Positioned for 2026 Season