It’s been a busy summer so far, and it’s not over yet! We’ve covered a huge range of topics on this blog since the start of June, and this recap is a great place to review what’s happened in our industry recently. Read on to find out more about EPC upgrades, sustainability, the future or Airbnb, and more.
Mixed-Use Developments
At Opago, we do more than offering insights into the industry - we innovate. While traditional mixed-use developments offered a combination of commercial and residential units, we believe the time has come to think bigger.
Our recent blog, Mixed-Use Developments 2.0: Rethinking the Approach for Greater Results, showed how portfolio owners could do more with their buildings. Rather than overseeing a student portfolio or a strict buy-to-let project, investors could diversify and increase their yields hassle free. Mixing units in this way has a plethora of advantages, including maximised occupancy rates, increased rental yields, operational efficiency, and more.
Read the full story here and find out more about the advantages that mixed-use spaces provide.
EPC Upgrades
Earlier in July, we looked at the potential costs for EPC upgrades. With more than half of portfolio owners planning to invest upwards of £100,000 in these changes, it’s a hot topic in the industry.
Changes were first made back in 2020, with a minimum E rating required for new and existing tenancies, while the next big change is coming in 2028, when a C rating will be required. While this is just under five years away, the work needs to begin soon, especially for portfolios of greater sizes.
Read the full story here.
Sustainability
Another hot topic, sustainability was also featured in one of our recent blogs. With a Landlord Today blog showing that tenants are generally prepared to pay more for sustainable homes, a green drive is well and truly underway.
We looked at the impact on profitability, the environment, your guests, and your property value, and these are all areas to review for portfolio owners. Another area we considered was the reputation that owners can garner by being sustainable. Typically, owners who “go green” are perceived more favourably, and this helps to attract and retain ideal guests.
Read the full story here.
The Future of Airbnb
In the 15 years since its inception, Airbnb has offered a welcome alternative to hotel stays for guests. However, the business has recently found itself besieged by complaints. These complaints are leading to lower booking rates, and this is bad news for investors in the space.
Our blog looked at some of the struggles Airbnb was facing, including limited capacity to address guest complaints, an oversaturated market, and shifting consumer preferences.
Read the full story here.
Student Housing
By now, most students have moved out of their accommodation and headed home for the summer. In this period of relative quietness for the industry, we looked at how to best target this fantastic market.
Research shows that more than a million students live away from home each year, and the key to capturing as many as possible is investment in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs). While house shares are commonplace, PBSA popularity is growing massively, with 44% of students choosing it last year. Modern amenities, social opportunities, and security are all high on the list for students, and PBSAs offer them in abundance.
Read the full story here.
What Do We Do?
At Opago, our goal is to help operators deliver higher returns from their assets. Focused on two key areas, full letting management and operations, we have expertise in commercial, operational, and advisory services. The services we carry out help to increase yield and scale businesses effectively.
Working across London, Paris, and Barcelona, we provide insights into the industry as above alongside first-class solutions. If you’re ready to take your operations to the next level, get in touch with the Opago team today.