Many people are put off investing in buy-to-let specifically for student accommodation, writes Sue Sanderson .

Traditionally college students have been seen as hard living, hard partying animals who have no respect for property that doesn't belong to them and which may lie empty out of term time.

This is a misconception - unlike some other sectors of the UK property market, the student accommodation sector remains an attractive growth investment opportunity with as many as 100,000 students entering the sector.

It is true that maintenance costs are likely to be higher - a new carpet every couple of years and, as students don't usually own furniture, you will have to provide basic items like beds, wardrobes, chairs and desks.

Offset against this is the fact that you will probably be generating a higher rental income from students than you would from many other sectors.