york
York is home to two major universities- the University of York and York St John University- with 36,202 students recorded across the city in the 24/25 academic year. This substantial student population supports an established rental market, providing investors with consistent demand and a diverse range of property opportunities. Whether you are looking to acquire a tenanted investment, access off-market opportunities or sell an existing HMO portfolio, YieldMe specialises in student property investment across York’s most sought-after locations.
york's student market
York’s student property market is supported by two established institutions: the Russell Group University of York and York St John University. The University of York is centred across Campus West and Campus East in Heslington, while York St John’s principal York campus is located close to the city centre. Around 36,202 students studied in York for the 24/25 academic year.
Private housing demand is concentrated in areas offering convenient access to the universities, including Hull Road, Fulford, Tang Hall, Badger Hill and central neighbourhoods. Shared houses remain a key part of the market, with York St John’s housing guidance identifying four-to-eight-bedroom HMOs as a traditional option for students entering private accommodation.
York is an established and controlled HMO market. The city’s Article 4 Direction means planning permission is required to convert a conventional dwelling into a small HMO across the main urban area. For investors, this can strengthen the appeal of existing authorised HMOs while creating opportunities to improve well-located properties through refurbishment, stronger management and rental growth.
nottingham's investment at a glance
36,202
Students registered to study in York in the 2024/25 academic year
2 Universities / 4 Principle
Academic Sites
York is home to the University of York and York St John University.
£100,000
Typical Asking Price Per HMO Bedroom
8-10%
Typical Advertised
Gross Yield
Market figures are based on advertised properties and should be treated as a guide rather than a formal city-wide average. Prices and returns will vary according to location, property condition, occupancy, rental income and operating costs.
ready to invest in york?
YieldMe works with individual landlords, portfolio owners, private investors and institutional buyers. Whether you are looking to acquire your first HMO, expand an existing portfolio or exit an investment, our team provides specialist knowledge and access to opportunities across Nottingham’s key student neighbourhoods.
professionalism.
We operate with integrity, due diligence, and a commitment to excellence in every deal. Our clients trust our modern, data-driven approach & candid advice.
transparency.
No hidden agendas – we educate our clients about market trends, HMO regulations, and investment risks vs. rewards. By sharing our knowledge openly, we build trust and empower you to make informed decisions.
customer focus.
Whether you’re selling a property or investing in one, your goals come first. We tailor our services to match your objectives – be it maximising sale value, securing a certain yield, or expanding your portfolio strategically. Expect responsive, personalised service at each step.
long-term partnership.
We aim to build lasting relationships. Many of our investors and landlords return for multiple deals, knowing we value long-term success over short-term gains. When you work with YieldMe, you become part of a community focused on building a legacy in student housing.
yield’s core values.
case study.
client objective:
Our client sought out an established, fully let student portfolio in York that could provide immediate rental income. Although the properties offered a largely turnkey opportunity, they also wanted a detailed assessment of potential refurbishment costs and achievable post-refurbishment rents to understand the portfolio’s full long-term performance potential.
yield's approach:
YieldMe reviewed the portfolio’s existing rental position, assessed the proposed refurbishment requirements against the investors’ criteria and calculated indicative improvement costs. We also modelled the expected rental income following completion of the works, allowing the investors to evaluate both the immediate return and the potential future performance.
Using this analysis, we negotiated with the vendor to secure an improved purchase price and structure a deal that reflected the required capital expenditure.
the result.
The 41-bedroom portfolio was acquired for £3,800,000. Based on the agreed refurbishment programme and projected post-refurbishment rents, the investment is expected to achieve a 7.5% net rental operating yield following completion of the works.
ready to sell your portfolio?
Whether you're managing a single HMO or a large-scale student portfolio, exiting the market doesn't have to mean navigating it alone. YieldMe works with landlords and institutional investors across the UK to structure clean, efficient transactions - from initial valuation through to completion.
If you're considering a sale, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your options and how we can help you achieve the right outcome.