Student Housing Demand: The Berry Group's HMO Expertise
The Berry Group focuses on HMO student housing, optimising quality and rental yields
The Berry Group focuses on HMO student housing, optimising quality and rental yields
The student accommodation market is experiencing unprecedented demand, creating exceptional investment opportunities for forward-thinking property developers in the UK. As universities expand their intake and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) fails to keep pace, the gap is being filled by high-quality Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). In this sector, The Berry Group has established itself as the leading property development company in the region.
Student numbers across the UK continue to climb yearly, yet the supply of quality accommodation remains critically short. This supply-demand imbalance has created a perfect storm for property investors, with student HMOs delivering some of the most attractive rental yields in the residential market. Universities in our operational areas are reporting accommodation shortages, pushing students into the private rental sector where well-designed, professionally managed HMOs command premium rents.
The shift in student expectations has been equally significant. Today's students demand more than basic accommodation – they want stylish, functional living spaces with modern amenities, reliable internet, and professional management. This evolution has separated the market between substandard conversions and premium HMO developments, with the latter commanding significantly higher returns.
Since 2015, The Berry Group has specialised in transforming ordinary properties into exceptional student accommodation through our comprehensive HMO conversion expertise. Our approach goes far beyond basic property development – we understand the unique requirements of the student market and design spaces that students genuinely want to live in.
With over £20 million in development value delivered to date and a robust £25 million pipeline ahead, our track record speaks for itself. When property investors search for "property development near me" or "construction company near me," they're not just looking for any contractor – they're seeking a partner who understands their investment goals and can deliver long-term results that exceed expectations.
Our fully integrated approach sets The Berry Group apart from typical construction services near me. Through our family of companies, we offer a complete end-to-end solution that eliminates the coordination challenges and quality control issues that plague multi-contractor projects.
INCO, our architecture and project management division, handles the design and planning phases, ensuring every conversion maximises both student appeal and rental potential. Our architects understand the regulatory requirements for HMO conversions inside and out, streamlining the planning process and avoiding costly delays.
Urban elevates each development with custom interior solutions that create the "wow factor" students seek. From bespoke kitchens that become social hubs to innovative storage solutions that maximise bedroom space, our interior design creates environments that command premium rents.
Berry Lettings completes the circle with professional property management services, ensuring your investment continues to deliver returns long after construction is complete. Our deep understanding of the student market means faster letting times, better tenant retention, and ultimately, stronger yields for our clients.
As a building company near you, we pride ourselves on delivering construction projects that stand the test of time. Our construction team understands that HMO developments require specialised knowledge – from sound insulation between units to creating communal spaces that foster community while maintaining privacy.
Every project undergoes rigorous quality control processes, ensuring that the finished product meets regulatory requirements and exceeds student expectations. We've learned that attention to detail in the construction phase directly translates to higher rental values and reduced maintenance costs over the property's lifecycle.
Our clients consistently achieve rental yields that outperform traditional buy-to-let investments. The combination of higher rental rates per square foot, strong demand, and professional management creates a compelling investment proposition. Many of our HMO conversions achieve full occupancy before construction, with waiting lists for the following academic year.
The professional market segment has also proven highly lucrative, as young professionals increasingly seek the flexibility and community aspect of quality HMO living. This dual-market appeal provides additional security for investors, reducing void periods and maintaining strong rental demand throughout the year.
The student accommodation shortage isn't going away – if anything, it's intensifying. Universities continue to expand, and the planning challenges facing large-scale PBSA developments mean the private HMO sector will remain crucial in meeting demand.
As a property development company with deep roots in the HMO market, The Berry Group is uniquely positioned to help investors capitalise on this ongoing opportunity. Our combination of market expertise, integrated services, and proven track record provides the foundation for exceptional returns.
Whether you're a seasoned property investor or exploring your first HMO conversion, The Berry Group offers the complete solution. From initial feasibility studies to ongoing property management, we're your trusted partner in transforming property investment opportunities into premium returns.
The student housing boom is here, and with The Berry Group's expertise, you can be part of the success story. Contact us today to discover how our HMO conversion specialists can deliver exceptional results for your next investment project.