Jane Dean, pictured below, manager of The Nottingham's Beeston branch: "We regularly see interest in properties in Beeston from students and their parents. Beeston's proximity to Nottingham University makes it a popular and affordable choice for student or parent-owned properties.

In addition, with excellent bus connections into Nottingham and Beeston Station only a ten-minute walk from our town centre it makes the area even more attractive to the students."

Aaron Ottewell, Residential property sales manager, CP Walker and Son: "We are finding that with interest rates remaining low, many more parents are using portions of their savings and buying a property as an investment for their son/daughter to live in while they study at Nottingham University, as opposed to them living in halls of residence or renting a shared home.

"It really can be a win-win situation, because over the course of a three or four-year period until the son/daughter graduates, a portion of the mortgage would have been repaid along with the potential capital growth."

Fergus Shields, Shields and Co: "The obvious benefits are convenience, rental income and long-term capital growth. It is now a favourable time to purchase student investment property although short-term capital growth is unlikely, unless the intention is to refurbish or expand the existing dwelling.

"If it is a long-term investment then future saleability or re-mortgaging needs to be considered.

"There are a number of important factors to analyse: the street and area the house is located in and the location in the street; the lettable room sizes and layout, as well as the number of lettable rooms; and importantly, the status of the house.

"Is it let to students; is it modernised (internet connections etc); does it have an HMO (House in multiple occupation) licence in place; is it UNIPOL Accredited?

"If there is a family or couple residing there one needs to be cautious.

"The property may require planning permission for change of use to a (HMO).

"I would strongly advise to buy through a local agent who specialises in student accommodation and most importantly consider their advice.

"If they are managing the property they will have a vested interest in helping you make the right buying decision.

"If daughters are going to be living there with friends, then I would still advise to let the agent collect the rent and manage the property while they are in residence. This will reduce any potential fall-outs and mismanagement.

"If the current agent looks after the property then the chances are the HMO licence will be in their control.

"Changing this will incur a new licence (28 pages long) and a large fee."