WHEN Iona Evans started her studies at the University of Nottingham, she spent the first year living in a halls of residence.

However, when it came to her second year, her father, Michael Evans, suggested that it might be beneficial for him to buy her a property near the university and she could pay rent towards the mortgage.

Michael Evans, said: "When we started looking at the figures we realised that, for what our daughter was paying in accommodation charges, we could use the money better as payment towards a mortgage.

"With that in mind we started looking for a property in the Beeston area and eventually found a three-bedroom house in Dagmar Grove.

"Throughout the time that we've had the property, some six years, we have found it a much better option to own a property that our daughter, Iona, could live in and rent out the additional rooms to her friends at the university.

"Then, some three years ago, our eldest daughter, Nansi, decided to study midwifery at the university, so she then took the property on.

"Both our daughters, and their co-habiting friends, have said they found living in the house much more preferential to the halls of residence."

Nansi said: "As it was our own property we took real pride in it and really enjoyed living there.

"Beeston is really handy for the university which is only a mile away.

"Mum and dad helped us decorate and maintain the property to a high standard and when there were rooms free during vacations, or between tenancies, our parents often came to stay with us."

Michael Evans, added: "With both our daughters having finished their studies, we are now looking to sell the house and have instructed Nottingham Property Services' Beeston branch to act on our behalf.

"We should make a small profit, although the biggest bonus for us has been that the girls have been living in their own property."