House Hunting So Far this Year: Facts and Figures

The Unipol website has had just over 31 million hits from January through to 1st October 2010, an 7.61% increase on 2009. 

Some key statistics for the year so far:

• 31.1 million hits
• 303,312 detailed searches 
• An average of 35,000 unique users per month, 10% increase on 2009 
• 4.7 million unique page impressions
• 86% of off-street properties let
• 8,548 Searches carried out on the first day (47% higher than 2009)
• 8,047 messages placed on the Student noticeboard 

Demand for accommodation is starting to reduce as October progresses but the bureau is still seeing a significant number of international students. The majority of students seem to be looking for individual lets and short term lets, often looking to negotiate on price. The Unipol website is still able to offer students a healthy level of choice. 

The house hunting market is still buoyant with an average of over 500 searches carried out each day (excluding weekends).  Many students are popping in to the bureau for advice on areas and how to find out if their potential landlord is signed up to the Unipol Code. 

The current search figures by each day can be viewed at the bottom of the "Property Search" page in small type right at the end of the page and these are updated every hour or so.

Date announced for the start of the House Hunting Season 2011-2012

House Hunting Season 2011-2012 will start on Saturday 15th January 2011. Remember students that wait until January tend to get more choice as that is when the majority of landlords start advertising from.

Unipol Briefing for Owners

Unipol Student Homes will hold its regular Briefing for Owners working within the Leeds letting market on Tuesday 14th December 2010 at the University of Leeds. This event will take place between 3.30pm and 6.00pm in the Yorkshire Bank Lecture Theatre. Tea, Coffee, and mince pies will be available from 3pm.

The Briefing will address current issues in the letting market as well as a look into future needs both from student tenants and the institutions. It brings together statistics and surveys pertinent to the Leeds market and so is directly relevant to owners. Unipol will also provide up to date information on the projected student intake for the next academic year, developments in institutional accommodation and the effect that this is likely to have on the private rented sector and trends in student lettings.

Owners registered with Unipol will be sent an invitation to the Briefing nearer the time.

More information for Students

The biggest thing to remember is that there is no need to panic when it comes to finding accommodation. There are more student rooms in Leeds than there are students, so you have more control over the market than you think. Make sure you take your time and think about whom you are going to live with, where you want to live, and how much you can realistically afford.

If you are a new student in Leeds, undergraduate or postgraduate, Unipol can help.  If you want to search for a room in a shared house please click here.  if you want a room in halls please click here

There are plenty of houses that are part of the Unipol Code, which means houses meet a given standard and if things go wrong you have access to an independent complaints procedure that normally sorts things out.

Not in a group?

Unipol have lots of properties available on individual lets, our own and properties from other landlords.  You can search for this by using the advanced search tool and choosing 'Yes' to the question: Will let individually?  Furthermore, why not check out the noticeboard which sees hundreds of messages a week placed from eager house hunters looking to meet new flatmates.  You will find a specific board for individuals looking to form a group.

Unipol Code information

• Full Code Members: 385
• Supporters of the Unipol Code (Managing Agents) 28
• Inspections carried out in 2009: 575 plus 100 reinspections
• Inspections carried out in 2010: 181

 Visit the Unipol office and find out how we can help you

Unipol is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am to 4.45pm and Thursday 9.30am to 2pm to:

• make accompanied viewings of Unipol owned or managed properties
• pick up one of a number of publications about finding a house in Leeds
• get information about the Unipol Code and the benefits it can give you 
• receive information and advice on living in Leeds and where to live
• browse thousands of properties on the Unipol website
• speak to advice staff about looking at properties and contracts

Whatever you do, make sure you use Unipol and the web site as your first port of call for all things house hunting.