Few real estate rental markets can introduce the kind of unfaltering interest for rental homes found in a college town. Notwithstanding, keep in mind that there is a great deal of knowledge that must be attained before settling on a decision to invest in rental property in these areas. No two college towns are exactly alike, and different types of institutions will affect an owner’s ability to competitively lease off-campus housing. Nevertheless, with resolute demand and a tendency to appreciate well, investing in one or more rental homes close to a college or university can be an effective way to achieve your long-term financial goals.
All over the United States, each college city has one thing in common: the students, faculty, and staff who live there all need housing close to campus. Such unwavering demand can make buying an investment property in a college town seem like an attractive option. While this is what usually happens, there are some significant considerations before beginning your property search.
For instance, it might be wise to research the campus and surrounding community before picking one town over another. Social information on enrollment history, the projected growth of the school, a current and projected ratio of students to on-campus housing, and any planned developments can help you estimate the current and future potential of any given location. If a school has shrinking enrollments or is opening a second campus in another community, both could cause a sharp decrease in demand for off-campus housing. Information like this is fundamental to have before investing in any university community.
One more important consideration is the type of institution that is at the core of the town or city. Private universities and colleges may have strict housing policies and more on-campus housing available, thereby reducing the need for off-campus options. Public universities, on the other hand, might have less on-campus housing when related to the number of students attending, but then again may have a high percentage of local, part-time, or commuting students who do not need or want to house close to campus. These are all things you ought to do your best to discover before deciding whether to buy a rental property in a college town.
It is likewise essential to evaluate the area’s available investment properties to ensure that any potential options have features commonly found in profitable rentals. The condition of the house and the encompassing neighborhood are among the most significant factors. Crime rates, amenities, age of the house, and most recent updates will all influence your ability to attract tenants and charge a competitive rental rate. Another important aspect is understanding the tax implications of your purchase. The amount of property tax, both current and future, must be included in the cost of owning the property, as must any required homeowners’ association fees. You should also check for any restrictive codes or laws that might prohibit you from renting out the property; each city and town has its own set of regulations that can change in so many ways from place to place.
On the off chance that your research is reassuring, and you proceed with a real estate purchase in your chosen location, you can significantly narrow your search parameters if you decide early on how much you want to spend, how much risk you can comfortably assume, and how much time you have to devote to property management. Owning a rental property is a serious time responsibility, especially if you want to do the majority of the work on your own. Rental homes in college towns are somewhat unique in that, generally speaking, they usually have a high rate of turnover. If students are your target demographic, it’s important to understand that there will be a lot more work needed in marketing, screening, and leasing your property from year to year, perhaps even semester to semester. On the other hand, if you plan to rent to graduate students or faculty, you will need to understand how to market your rental effectively in order to draw them to your property.
Regardless of who your target renter is, it is essential to be practical about your capacity to provide consistent and high-quality property oversight and maintenance. Property management can be a very hands-on job, one that requires full-time accessibility in the event of an emergency. If you want to manage a property yourself, you are likewise limited to areas that you can access quickly or regularly, often relatively close to your own hometown.
The other option to doing it yourself is to hire a quality property management company to manage your property for you. There are genuine benefits to doing so, especially if you are planning to rent to students. Placing ads, interviewing renters, showing your property, performing routine maintenance, handling move-in, and move-out efficiently – all of these can be turned over to a team of professionals dedicated to protecting the value of your investment property. What is more, if you choose a national company like Real Property Management Pocatello, you are not limited to buying in your home market. Your investment options are wide open with the help of a network of reliable property management franchise offices coast to coast.
At Real Property Management Pocatello, we can help property investors like you decide if buying one or more rental properties in a college town makes sense. We have market data and industry experts who can provide the information you need to make the best possible decision. Contact us today for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
