Is Leicester the perfect student investment hub for you?

March 7, 2026

The city of Leicester offers a compelling option for investors due to its status as a premier national and international university hub. With tens of thousands of students arriving each year, demand for quality accommodation consistently outstrips supply.

While the city offers a desirable lifestyle for students, it also provides a strategic opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. With vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and exceptional connectivity to both London and the North, Leicester is more than just a university town; it is a thriving, self-sustaining economic hub.

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Why investors should be looking at Leicester

Leicester is a vibrant city located in the East Midlands with a population growing faster than the national average. Leicester has emerged as a nationally significant university hub with three highly regarded universities that bring in tens of thousands of students from around the world to Leicester.

Students have everything they need to live in Leicester, from a healthy job market, a good nightlife scene, green spaces and transport links, all of which make it an ideal place to live in whilst at university.

However, the one thing that is not readily available is student accommodation. None of the city’s three universities provides enough housing for students. Many end up renting residential accommodation instead of dedicated student accommodation. That makes Leicester an exceptional opportunity for investors interested in the student sector.

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The three universities

The city has become one of the UK’s most important university hubs. With three top universities, The University of Leicester, Loughborough University and De Montfort University, with more than 60,000 students a year choosing them for their further education.

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De Montfort University

Situated within the city centre, this university was originally founded as the Leicester School of Art in 1870, and continues that tradition, offering specialised courses in design and other creative fields. Additionally, the university has developed strong faculties in business and health sciences that attract more students each year.

The impressive modern campus is now home to 26,000 students each year and ranks within the UK’s top 100 universities for teaching according to the Complete University Guide. De Montfort University itself reports that the university helps generate £690m in economic activity and supports more than 9,000 jobs.

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‍University of Leicester

Found in the south of the city, this institution was ranked as the 28th best university in the UK on The Times Good University Guide 2026, and teaches 20,000 students every year, with approximately one quarter being from overseas, specialising in astrophysics, medicine and history.

The university also contributes £750m to the local economy, and in The Times Good University guide, it is ranked in the top 10 for student experience.

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‍Loughborough University

Situated just a short drive away from Leicester is Loughborough University. One of the UK’s leading universities, it has been ranked in the Complete University Guide top 10 for a decade. Although it does not sit in the city centre, students still choose to live in Leicester.

With 19,000 students each year, Loughborough University is known for its courses in sport and other sport-related subjects. The university is consistently recognised for its outstanding student experience and is a big draw for students nationally and internationally.

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Life in the city

Leicester has become a desirable place to live for students and young professionals alike. Areas such as St Martin's Square offer students cobbled streets lined with trendy cafes and busy bars for them to socialise at.

Highcross shopping centre offers everything from everyday bits to high-end shops to fuel students' shopping needs. The city also has plenty of green spaces available to be enjoyed on the brighter days.

Connectivity is a big part of Leicester's appeal for students, which is something investors should consider. Geographically placed in the middle of the country, the nearby M1 motorway runs up and down the country. London is just over an hour by train, and East Midlands Airport is only a 30-minute drive.

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How to invest in Leicester

Now is the time to capitalise on Leicester’s thriving student market. With demand at an all-time high and high-yield opportunities currently available, there has never been a better moment to strengthen your portfolio.

The first step to securing your next investment is to contact our team today to lock your place in one of the UK’s most resilient investment hubs.