New homes for students in the UK’s best-value university cities

With school leavers currently considering their options for higher education, online cash payment provider Ukash has compiled a list of the universities in the UK where money stretches furthest. As well as being practical for future students, this is also useful for investors aiming to let properties to the student market.

There is a lot to be said for investing in a new-build as a buy-to-let property; few repairs will be needed and in many cases, kitchen appliances will be included in the purchase, meaning there is little to be done before tenants move in.

Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University topped the list, with the University of Edinburgh second. Take a look at our pick of student properties in that city here. However, the other universities that made it onto the top ten least expensive places to study are surprisingly widespread. If you're looking to find a buy-to-let property in these areas then take a look at the following suggestions.

University of St Andrews

Just eight properties make up Kinness Brook, a joint development of contemporary two- and three- bedroom apartments by Credential Homes and Ryce Limited. The site is only a five-minute walk from St Andrews town centre and benefits include open-plan layouts and private terraces. Prices for available properties start at around £349,995.

University of Kent

Forming part of Berkeley Homes' Kingsbrook Park development, Marlowe Place boasts a collection of apartments starting from £244,950. The site is located in the heart of Canterbury and the layout of the homes offers plenty of space for socialising.

University of East Anglia

Fairfield Park is a Hopkins Homes development close to the centre of Norwich. A selection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes are offered here with prices from £144,995 to £364,995. Depending on the property type chosen, benefits include parking spaces, garages, open-plan kitchen and family/living areas, lounges and study rooms.

University of Birmingham

Situated in Smethwick, not far from the university, Windmill Heights is a Barratt Homes development offering a variety of properties. The three-bedroom ‘Faringdon' house type costs £158,950 and its spacious lounge and kitchen with dining area is ideally set out for student lifestyles.

University of Warwick

Taylor Wimpey's White Willow Park development is situated in the Canley area of Coventry, under 10 minutes from the University of Warwick. Available properties here include two- and three-bedroom terraced homes starting from £144,995.

University of York

Less than a mile-and-a-half from the University of York, David Wilson Homes' Derwenthorpe development boasts a collection of energy efficient three-bedroom homes from £279,995. Features include an open-plan living and dining area, separate kitchen and a study. The scheme lies on an established bus route and is close to a network of cycle paths.

University of Leicester

Spicerhaart has some interesting properties on the market for buy-to-let investors in Leicester. For example, a third-floor apartment in the popular Dyersgate development is available for £90,000 and features an open-plan living room and kitchen with access to an outdoor balcony as well as an entrance hallway, one bedroom and a bathroom.

University of Lancaster

A collection of three- and four-bedroom properties is still available at Riverside View, a Barratt Homes development where prices range from ranging from £174,995 to £284,995. The site is situated on the banks of the River Lune in Lancaster and has local shops and a supermarket nearby.