Market Analysis and
project feasibility
To assess the viability of your planned new student housing development project, Campus Advantage consultants travel to your market to assemble data from numerous primary and secondary information sources and to evaluate the local on- and off-campus student housing landscape. Components of the study include both site-specific analysis and demand analysis, measuring the depth of the market and determining how much additional student housing inventory the market can support.
Each consulting engagement includes:
- Full site analysis identifying the pros/cons of the selected site, and grading factors such as accessibility to campus and availability of close-proximity services
- Comprehensive competitive study, including in-person assessment of competitive rentals on- and off-campus, as well as a review of marketing materials, pre-leasing velocity, and site tours
- Additional research of the near-term student housing pipeline, identifying potential new developments coming to the market in the one- to two-year timeframe
- University demand analysis to ensure the student market is favorable to growth and expansion of student-focused housing, including an assessment of demographic information, enrollment growth patterns, and strategic goals
- Primary research study within the student population at your target university or college to identify student preferences and needs as they relate to your property
Your final report includes:
- Unit mix, types, and sizes
- Rental rates
- Utility inclusions
- Unit amenities
- Common area amenities
- Staffing structure
- Marketing
- Year-one operating pro forma
Operational
assessments
When a property fails to achieve occupancy goals or desired rental rates, experiences issues with staff turn-over, or continually loses occupants to alternate housing sources, operational changes can often correct the trend. Our operational assessment includes in-depth reviews of the property’s marketing efforts, leasing processes, staffing, operational processes, physical condition, and residence life program, as well as a full operations budget review. In addition, competitive properties are surveyed to inform market positioning.
Your final report includes:
- Opportunities to improve leasing velocity and retention
- Rebranding, remarketing, and reputation management
- Updating rental rates
- Staff restructuring
- Maintenance improvements
- Capital expenditures
- Residence life programming ideas
- Operating budget refinement
Due
diligence
Providing a comprehensive analysis of the student housing real estate you are interested in purchasing, a due diligence study establishes the quality of the property, both physical and intangible. Through inspection of all units and common areas, a lease audit, and a thorough assessment of competing rentals, due diligence culminates in a recommendation for or against acquisition of the property, with guidance regarding capital expenditures.
Your final report includes:
- Unit inspection, including rating of all furniture, flooring and overall condition of every unit, and identification of quality issues to help plan for unit upgrades
- Property inspections from an operator’s perspective
- Common area assessment
- Competitive assessment of on- and off-campus housing options
- Demographic analysis
- Documentation of students’ classification, school, and place of origin
- Summary of potential marketing opportunities and outlets
- Lease audit to confirm rent rolls, including current and future leases
- Financial analysis and budget review
- Capital expenditure analysis and recommendations
- Current staffing and restructuring opportunities
- Marketing and leasing campaign refinements
Development and design
consulting
Need to make initial decisions for a new development? Our consulting team can participate in architectural design and lender meetings to discuss project details, provide input, and convey updates. Design and development services can help refine unit mix, project operating budgets and development pro forma, and provide additional support in finalizing common area amenities, and more. Under a monthly retainer, any of the following services may be requested. Additional services may also be available upon request.
Consulting services include
- Unit floor plan & unit mix recommendations
- Administrative office and facility maintenance layout and technical details
- Interior finishes for units and common areas
- Furniture suggestions for units, office space and amenity space
- Internet specifications and infrastructure design
- Operational design efficiency for postal management, waste management, and other building elements
- Assistance with preparing financial packages
- Collaboration with Catalyst on brand development and initial marketing collateral
