House Hunting - What has Happened So Far in 2010 and Further Information

House Hunting 2010 kicked off with a solid start on the 22nd January with 6,616 searches being recorded, 9% higher than the first day of house hunting 2009. In the first week of Housing Hunting 2010 there were 28,519 searches, compared to 26,935 for the same period last year.

The week commencing 10th May saw a marked increase in search activity. This coincides with Nottingham Trent University releasing it's large development allocations on Wednesday 12th May. These 'sold out' in the first 3 hours.  Searches from Nottingham Trent students are now running at virtually the same level as those from The University of Nottingham Students. The summer edition of the Unipol Tabloid commenced ditribution in the same week, which has further stimulated the market.

Over 185317 searches have been undertaken Since the start of House Hunting 2010. This is an 35% increase on the same point in 2009.

The number of hits made on the website is currently well over 9.1 million,  compared with 6.4 million at the same point in the previous year. So far we have had over 44,051 unique users on the website making more than 161,695 searches in  the first 6 months of House Hunting. Last year there were over 61,000 users of the website in total.

So far, statistics have shown that larger houses and houses near Nottingham University's Park Campus have been the most popular. 

The average rent for off street properties is currently £62.65 per week, which is slightly higher than it was at the same point a year ago. 

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.

The Unipol House Hunting tabloid 2010 - pick up your copy now

The Tabloid was distributed to 26,000 addresses in Lenton, Beeston, Dunkirk, Arboretum, the City and Clifton at the start of House Hunting 2010. A further 4,000 were distributed at Housing Fairs and through out the Student Union buildings.

If you would like a copy of The Tabloid you can pick one up in  the Park Campus Unipol Bureau. Alternatively, you can call 0115 846 8599 for a copy.

A new issue of the Tabloid is being distributed through out May via Royal Mail direct to student addresses as well as to the Halls of Residences at both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Included in this issue of the Tabloid is a handy pull out and keep moving in/moving out guide that is full of top tips for students that are moving in or out of a property this summer.

More Information for Students

The most important thing to remember is: Don't panic! There are more student rooms in Nottingham than there are students, which means that you have more control over the market than you think. Make sure you take your time and think about who you are going to live with; where you want to live; and how much you can realistically afford. Find out more about House hunting in 2010 and make sure you make the right choice for you.

If you want to know why 3rd year students often get the best houses click here

If you are a new student in Nottingham, 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 DASH Code, which means houses meet a given standard, and if things go wrong you have access to an independent complaints procedure that can normally help sorts things out.

Not in a Group?

Many Landlords will let on an individual basis. You can search for this by using the advanced search tool and choosing 'Yes' to the question 'Will let individually' Why not check out the notice board 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

Between January 2009 and January 2010 there has been a 53% increase in accredited landlords from 239 to 376. 

 There are now 6 Code Supporters from managing agents, up from 6 in the previous year. A further 6 agents are signed up as full members of the Code - Shields Student Homes, Megaclose, Grant Management, Cunningham Lettings, Tomlinson Estate Management and PAD Student Lettings. Three new agencies have recently joined and are awaiting validation as Supporters of the Code - Purple Frog, Martin & Co and Student Cribs.

Deposit Protection

If your landlord is taking a deposit from you they must protect it under an authorised deposit protection scheme. In the majority of cases this is a legal requirement. Your Landlord should inform you which scheme they use, and they should issue you with a leaflet with the details once they have protected your deposit. If your Landlord doesn't volunteer this information, ask them. If you are uncertain you can always check on the relevant websites that your deposit has been protected. If you have any problems or questions about deposits contact either Unipol or your Students' Union. There is more information on deposit protection here.

Code Inspections

469 new inspections were carried out in 2009, and 91 have been completed so far in 2010 with 53 re inspections. This brings the total number of properties inspected since October 2007 to 1,175.

• Full Code Members: 376 
• Total Number of Inspections made since 2007 1,215
• Supporters of the Unipol Code (Managing Agents) 6
• Inspections carried out in 2009: 469
• Inspections carried out in 2010: 91

The Accreditation Officer will be concentrating on inspection properties for landlords applying to join the Code, managing agents signed up to the Supporter of the Unipol Code Scheme and Full Code landlords whose properties we have not inspected in the last 3 years.

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

Unipol is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.45pm

• 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 Nottingham 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.