The UK’s universities continue to attract students from across the globe, but the question of where those students will live is becoming more pressing every year. While lecture theatres can expand and online teaching can grow, accommodation supply remains limited. Against this backdrop, two-bedroom apartments are proving to be one of the most sought-after options, and the trend is opening up interesting opportunities for investors.
Purpose-built student housing has grown rapidly over the past decade, yet demand still outweighs supply in most university cities. The reality is that many overseas students either cannot secure a place in those blocks or find them too costly. For those students, the private rental market is the next stop, and two-bedroom apartments offer a balance of affordability, comfort and practicality.
The financial logic is pretty straightforward. One-bedroom flats are often beyond reach for students, with monthly rents in many cities climbing well over the £1,000 mark. A two-bed apartment, by contrast, allows rent and bills to be shared. The total rent may be higher, but the per-person cost is far more manageable. For landlords this creates a strong pool of reliable tenants, with two incomes supporting one property and a lower risk of void periods.
Lifestyle preferences also play an important role. Large shared houses remain part of the student experience, yet they do not appeal to everyone. Many international students want more privacy and stability but do not want the isolation or expense of living alone. A two-bedroom flat offers a middle ground, where each tenant has their own room but still benefits from companionship and a shared living space. For students adjusting to life in a new country, that arrangement is often more appealing than either a crowded house share or a solitary studio.
For you as an investor, this demand extends beyond the student market. Two-bed apartments remain attractive to young professionals, couples and small families, which makes them highly versatile assets. This broad tenant base provides stability and helps protect rental yields even as market conditions shift.
Two-bedroom apartments meet a very real need in the student rental sector and deliver long-term assurances for investors. With international enrolment showing no signs of slowing, demand for well-located two-beds is likely to remain strong for the rest of the decade and beyond.
