Sustainability Features in your Student Accommodation: What to look out for.

(We used data from The Property Marketing Strategists Report on ‘Sustainability as a Key Decision Making Factor for Students’, which you can find here).

When you're hunting for your next student house or flat, there’s a lot to think about: cost, location, room size, vibe. But one thing more students are starting to consider is sustainability. Should it be on your priority list? Let’s break it down.

First things first — does sustainability even matter to students?

Turns out, kind of. While 62% of students still say cost is their number one priority when choosing somewhere to live, over half (58%) now check for sustainability features before signing on the dotted line. That means more of us are starting to care, even if it’s not the top priority yet.

So, what does that actually look like?

• Access to public transport – most in demand.

• Recycling facilities – still essential.

• Insulation – to keep your bills down.

• Smart tech – think automatic heating and lighting.

• Solar panels, bike storage, gardens – all on the wish list.

Will you pay more for it though? 👀

Now here's where things get real. Only 29% of students said they’d be happy to pay higher rent for a building with sustainability features. That’s totally fair, rent is steep, and uni life isn’t exactly overflowing with spare cash.

But here’s a thought, some sustainability features actually save money. Better insulation and smart heating? That can cut your energy bills. And while all-inclusive rent might sound great, it often means you’re not really in control of what you’re using or paying for.

Who’s responsible anyway?

A massive 76% of students think landlords are just as responsible as tenants for making a place greener. That’s encouraging, because it shows students care, but they also expect action from the people providing their homes.

In fact, most students (70%) said they’d like landlords to give them more control over energy use. That might mean energy tracking tools, smart meters, or even small rewards for cutting back.

Is this just a trend?

It doesn’t look like it. The interest in living with flatmates who have eco-friendly habits has jumped from 59% in 2022 to 79% in 2025. That’s a big shift.

So, while the environment might not be the number one reason you choose a place to live, it’s becoming more important, especially as students move through uni and start to feel the pinch of energy bills and the weight of climate concerns.

TL;DR — Should you care?

If you want lower bills, more control over your living space, and to live with people who share your values, then yes, sustainability is worth thinking about. No one’s saying you need to choose a flat just because it has solar panels. But if you can find a place that ticks both your budget and eco boxes? That’s a win.

And hey, every little bit helps, for your bank account and the planet.

For more on sustainable student living and how to make small changes that matter, check out more blogs below.