Student Property Investment: Axiom, Stoke-on-Trent
The UK’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector is facing a severe supply-demand imbalance, with a projected shortfall of approximately 600,000 student beds nationwide. Axiom, a modern conversion of a 1970s police station in central Stoke-on-Trent, directly addresses this national shortage. By delivering 161 fully furnished studio apartments with premium communal amenities and hands-off professional management, the development offers investors a high-yielding, hassle-free property asset sheltered from traditional buy-to-let regulatory hurdles.
Insight highlights
Offers an initial 3-year fixed rental assurance paying £8,402 per year (£700 pcm), delivering a 10% NET yield and £25,206 guaranteed income over the triennium
Taps into a massive nationwide structural shortfall of ~600,000 beds, providing high demand from nearby institutions like Staffordshire University
Managed fully by professional services, offering £0 ground rent, a 10-year new build warranty, and exemption from many standard buy-to-let regulations (such as the Renters’ Rights Act)
Axiom is a high-performing, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) investment opportunity located in Stoke-on-Trent.
Offering a fantastic way to access one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist property sectors, the PBSA development is designed specifically for modern student living. Axiom provides contemporary accommodation and strong investment potential.
The new standard of student living
Originally a police station from the 1970s, the site is being tastefully converted into high-quality, purpose-built student apartments that are perfectly suited to those studying in the local area.
Coming from the premium student property brand Abode Student, Axiom will comprise 161 studio apartments, each furnished to a high standard.
Residents at Axiom will also benefit from an unrivalled selection of amenities. From a concierge, laundry room and residents' lounge to a games room, private gym and courtyard garden, offering fantastic student living in the heart of the city.
Located in the centre of Stoke-on-Trent, the site is close to numerous local shops as well as the Hanley Bus Station and is just over a mile away from Staffordshire University, one of the best in the UK.
An in-demand asset class
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is one of the most in-demand asset types of property investment available; this is due to the severe lack of supply and record-high demand. CBRE (2024) estimates a shortfall of approximately 600,000 student beds.
In the UK especially, many recent concerns about the Renters’ Rights Act primarily target traditional buy-to-let housing, whereas PBSA often benefits from separate rules or exemptions.
Furthermore, PBSA is a fully hands-off investment with professional management services taking care of everything related to the property, meaning you, the investors, can take a step back and let the asset do the work.
How to make guaranteed income
Purchasing in Axiom is a great way for investors to get the best returns available; take a newly released unit from the premium collection. This offers a larger floor plan, elevated interior finishes, a 10-year new build warranty and has £0 ground rent.
This example unit, priced at £84,027, delivers outstanding income security through a 3-year fixed rental assurance of £8,402 per year (£700 pcm), which translates to a 10% NET yield and generates £25,206 in guaranteed income over the initial triennium (3 years).
Beyond the fixed period, performance remains compelling; assuming a standard annual 3% rental growth from the fourth year, gross income would rise to £8,929 (10.62% yield) and £9,204 (10.92% yield) in the fifth year.
Smoothly transitioning into an ongoing high-yield asset even after factoring in management and service charges (estimated at £1,500 annually from year four).
Want to invest in PBSA?
There is a real shortage of beds for students in almost every university town and city in the UK – but student numbers keep going up.
This makes PBSA an ideal opportunity for investors to take advantage of an imbalance between supply and demand. Contact us today, and one of our dedicated investment advisors will be in touch to discuss the best available product for you.
