Student population: 20,000

Price of a two-bed student flat: £89,000-£100,000

According to George Solley, of Thorntons, adverse media reports and restricted lending have left the Dundee student market flat.

“There are deals out there for cash buyers, but the 40% deposit required to secure the best mortgage is not attractive to parents.”

Solley cites the purpose-built Campus Apartments by Torith as among the safest buys. There is a guarantee of occupancy, as the flats are available only to student tenants. “They came to market at the wrong time but you’d expect a 6% rental yield.” They start at £89,950 for a two-bedroom flat.

The HMO licence regulations mean two-bedroom flats have replaced large central tenements as the most prized accommodation. Expect to pay £80,000 to £100,000 for a two-bed flat within walking distance of the city’s numerous medical and academic institutions.

The neglected period-flat sector probably represents the best value option for parents, because of the lack of buyer competition.

One to consider: Campus Apartments, fixed prices from £89,000; Thorntons, 01382 000999

GLASGOW

Student population: 168,000

Price of a two-bed student flat: £190,000

Glasgow has the largest UK student population outside London but those considering a student purchase should confine their search to the Merchant City and the West End. These are the only real student enclaves and prices reflect that.

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