Gillams Properties Student Accommodation · Exeter
01392 459 900

Student Property Management Services in Exeter

Maximise your rental income with a leading student property management company in Exeter. Since 2007, we've helped student landlords achieve 98% occupancy rates and 6-8% yields on their student HMO investments.

Get Free Rental Valuation

Why Landlords Choose Us

98% Occupancy Rate
Properties let year after year with minimal voids
4,500+ Students Housed
Proven track record over 18 years
Exeter City Council Approved
Full HMO licensing expertise
Local Team, Local Knowledge
Based in Exeter, not a remote call centre

Choose Your Route

Get a Rental Valuation
Find out what your property could earn in the Exeter student market
Free Valuation
Book a Management Consultation
Discuss full management or let-only options for your HMO
Book Consultation
Get an HMO Compliance Check
Review your licensing, safety certificates, and legal requirements
Compliance Check
98%
Occupancy Rate
6-8%
Average Gross Yield
18
Years in Exeter

Based on managed student HMOs in our Exeter portfolio over the last 24 months (ask for a breakdown). Last updated: January 2026.

Full Regulatory Compliance

Student HMOs face strict regulations. We ensure your property meets every requirement, protecting you from fines up to £30,000 and rent repayment orders.

HMO Licensing

  • Mandatory HMO licence applications
  • Local licensing schemes (where applicable)
  • Exeter City Council liaison
  • Licence renewal management

Safety Certificates

  • Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - Annual
  • EICR Electrical Testing - 5 yearly
  • PAT Testing for appliances
  • Fire risk assessment & equipment

Legal Protection

  • Government deposit scheme protection
  • Compliant AST agreements
  • Right to Rent checks
  • EPC minimum E rating compliance

Industry Accreditations & Memberships

Client Money Protection
safeagent
Property Redress Scheme
Independent dispute resolution
ICO Registered
Data protection compliant
Professional Indemnity
Full insurance coverage

How Our Landlord Service Works

From initial valuation to ongoing management, we handle every aspect of letting your student property.

1

Free Valuation

We visit your property, assess its potential, and provide a rental valuation based on current Exeter student market rates.

2

Compliance Check

We review your HMO licence status, safety certificates, and identify any compliance gaps before marketing.

3

Find & Vet Tenants

Professional photography, multi-channel marketing, viewings, and thorough referencing including guarantor checks.

4

Move-In & Manage

Inventory, check-in, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and end-of-tenancy management.

Complete Student Property Management

Full Property Management

  • Tenant finding & comprehensive vetting
  • Rent collection & arrears chasing
  • Property maintenance coordination
  • 24/7 emergency support line
  • Quarterly property inspections
  • End of tenancy & deposit return

HMO Compliance

  • HMO licence applications & renewals
  • Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
  • EICR electrical testing
  • Fire safety & risk assessments
  • Council inspection support
  • Deposit scheme protection

Financial Management

  • Guaranteed rent options available
  • Monthly landlord statements
  • Annual tax documentation
  • Bills management service
  • Insurance advice & renewals
  • Void period minimisation

Choose Your Management Level

Let Only Service
60% of first month's rent
Perfect for:
Experienced landlords who prefer hands-on management
Local owners with time for tenant queries
Properties with existing management systems
  • Professional marketing & photography
  • Accompanied viewings
  • Full tenant & guarantor referencing
  • Contract preparation
  • Deposit registration
  • Check-in & inventory
Average tenant-find turnaround: 3 weeks

Recent Success Stories

5-bed Pennsylvania HMO → Pre-let by December
Pennsylvania October → December (8 weeks)
Outcome: Fully let to a group of 3rd-year students before Christmas break
What we did:
Professional photography and floor plan
Listed on student portals and social media
Coordinated group viewings with student groups
Completed referencing and guarantor checks before term end
HMO Compliance Uplift Before Council Inspection
St Davids 4-week turnaround
Outcome: Passed Exeter City Council inspection with zero issues
What we did:
Full compliance audit (Gas, EICR, fire safety)
Coordinated emergency fire door replacement
Updated all safety signage and equipment
Prepared documentation pack for inspector visit

Best Areas for Student Property Investment

Highest Demand
Pennsylvania

Closest to Streatham Campus. Premium rents, fastest letting speeds, lowest void risk.

View area guide →
St Davids

Premium residential area near campus. Highest average rents in Exeter student market.

View area guide →
Mount Pleasant

Central location between both campuses. Strong capital growth potential.

View area guide →
St James

Near St Luke's Campus. Popular with medical and nursing students.

View area guide →
Heavitree

Affordable entry point with good transport links. Strong yields for price.

View area guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes student properties a good investment in Exeter?

Student properties in Exeter offer predictable demand tied to University of Exeter enrollment (30,000+ students), higher yields than traditional buy-to-let (typically 6-8% vs 3-5%), multiple tenants reducing void risk, and parental guarantors providing payment security. The University's Russell Group status and limited purpose-built accommodation create consistent demand.

Do I need an HMO licence for student properties in Exeter?

Yes, properties with 5 or more tenants forming 2 or more households require a mandatory HMO licence from Exeter City Council. Smaller HMOs may require additional licensing where applicable - check current Exeter City Council guidance for the latest requirements. Gillams Properties handles the entire HMO application process, ensures compliance with all regulations, and manages ongoing requirements including safety certificates and inspections.

How much can I charge for student accommodation in Exeter?

Rental rates vary by location, property size, and quality. Premium areas like Pennsylvania and St Davids command the highest rents. For an accurate valuation of your specific property, contact our team for a free, no-obligation rental assessment based on current market data.

What compliance certificates do student HMOs need in Exeter?

Student HMOs require: Gas Safety Certificate (annual, CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR, every 5 years), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC rating E minimum), Fire safety equipment and risk assessment, HMO licence from Exeter City Council (every 5 years), and deposit protection within a government-approved scheme. Gillams Properties manages all compliance documentation and renewal schedules.

How do you find and vet student tenants?

We market through our website, student portals, and University accommodation offices. All tenants undergo comprehensive referencing including identity checks, University enrollment verification, and guarantor assessments. We require UK-based guarantors (usually parents) who undergo credit and affordability checks. Groups of friends are preferred to reduce conflicts.

What is the student letting cycle in Exeter?

The Exeter student letting cycle follows a predictable pattern: October-December sees groups forming and early viewings (peak booking season - most properties reserved), January-March for remaining properties, July for check-out, August for any refurbishment work, and September for new tenant check-ins. Properties are typically let 9-12 months in advance.

What are the best areas for student property investment in Exeter?

Top areas for student investment: Pennsylvania (closest to Streatham Campus, highest demand), St Davids (premium area, highest rents), Mount Pleasant (central location, strong capital growth), St James (near St Luke's Campus, medical students), and Heavitree (affordable entry point, good yields). Each area has different characteristics suited to different investment strategies. See our area guides for detailed analysis.

Ready to Maximise Your Rental Income?

Get a free, no-obligation rental valuation from our expert team. We'll assess your property and show you how we can help achieve the best returns.

Call 01392 459900

Your Protection & Our Credentials

Deposit Protection

All deposits protected with government-approved schemes (MyDeposits/DPS).

Property Redress Scheme

PRS member for independent complaints handling.

HMO Licensed

All HMOs fully licensed through Exeter City Council.

Safety Certified

Gas safety, electrical inspections (EICR), and valid EPC ratings.