Invest in your children's future - And your own

Increasing numbers of parents are buying properties near universities to ensure their children have accommodation in their student years and also to give them a retirement nest egg of their own to look forward to.

With the average cost of living in halls of residence £82 per week, with this average rising to £150 when you include living expenses (Source: National Union of Students), buying a two bedroom property means children can rent out the second bedroom and live off that rental income. Once their children have graduated, parents can then either capitalise on their increased equity, or continue to rent out the property and reap the rental rewards.

This trend of parents investing in the property market in student areas has come about because of a number of factors. As house prices have risen dramatically over the last few years, this has provided equity, which many homeowners can release as a deposit against a student home for their children. Coupled with this is the rise in the availability in buy-to-let mortgages, of which parents have taken advantage. Parents are also concerned about the standard of accommodation at some universities and would rather have some control over where their child lives. The most important factor though is that while the child lives in the property, the capital value is likely to rise, providing investment for the future.

Parents with children at Bristol University should take a look at two developments by Linden Homes. Vibe is located in Old Market while Essence is located in Montpellier, both offering easy access into the university campus. With a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments on offer, each benefiting from Linden's trademark high finish and specification, these are ideal as rental apartments with fully fitted kitchen units and modern bathroom suites.

Nigel Palmer, Director and General Manager of Linden Homes Western, said: "It's easy to understand why parents are so interested in apartments in these areas. Both developments are located in areas with great amenities and are ideal as investment properties, particularly for parents seeking quality accommodation for their children during their student years. Not only do they provide an excellent way for parents to establish their own nest egg, but they also give their children a chance at independent living."

A one bedroom apartment at Vibe is priced from £139,995 and a two bedroom apartment is priced from £189,995. A one bedroom apartment at Essence is priced from £160,995. For more information, log on to Lindenhomes.co.uk.