Bunked

Bunked: boutique student accommodation in Portsmouth, Chichester and Winchester

Bunked is a British company based in Portsmouth dedicated to creating boutique student accommodation and co-living spaces for students. Founded in early 2018 by Nick Houghton and Simon Birmingham, the company presents itself as a specialist in raising the standard of shared student accommodation, with an offering that combines modern design, included services and proximity to university campuses.

Business model and activity

Bunked's activity focuses on the design, development and management of residential properties aimed at university students. The company operates both entire houses and individual rooms, and markets its accommodation under the student rental model. Its proposition is built around the concept of co-living, with shared spaces designed for friendship groups in their second and third years, as well as for first-year students looking for a room and to meet new people.

According to the company's own information, Bunked has more than 40 unique properties and over 300 satisfied tenants to date, with occupancy rates above 95% and a multi-million-pound property portfolio. The company states ambitious growth plans to expand its high-quality accommodation model to other UK university cities.

Accommodation features

Bunked's accommodations are described as clean, bright and modern houses, furnished to a high standard. Features the company highlights in its properties include:

• High-speed fibre broadband connection.
• All-inclusive utilities.
• High-quality furniture.
• Flat-screen TVs and entertainment equipment.
• Luxury-style en-suite rooms with rain showers.
• Modern kitchens with integrated appliances.
• Double bedrooms with orthopaedic mattresses.
• Low-maintenance gardens.
• Proximity to the university, as well as to bars and nightlife areas.

The company emphasises offering spaces that allow both study and leisure, with large communal areas equipped for socialising.

Locations and properties

Bunked concentrates its offering in three cities in southern England: Portsmouth, Winchester and Chichester. Within Portsmouth, the company identifies Southsea as one of its most popular areas for student accommodation, thanks to its proximity to the university and the city's nightlife.

The property catalogue the company shows on its website includes examples such as Playfair Road #4 and #3 in Southsea (Portsmouth), Cromwell Road #16 and Romsey Road #81 in Winchester, and Telephone Road #24 and Collingwood Road #38 in Portsmouth. These properties vary in number of bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, and some are advertised as available at the time of enquiry.

Tenant profile and co-living experience

The company targets university students looking for quality accommodation during their degree years. Bunked presents itself as an option for those who do not want to settle for outdated and worn-out accommodation, and seeks to attract groups of friends in their second and third years who want to live together, as well as first-year students who need a room and want to integrate into a social environment.

The testimonials the company collects on its website highlight aspects such as the quick resolution of maintenance issues, the modern style of the houses and the presence of private bathrooms in all rooms.

Founders and management team

Bunked was founded in early 2018 by Nick Houghton and Simon Birmingham, both directors of the company. Simon Birmingham is a professional property investor and landlord since 2010, with an investment portfolio in London and the south coast of England. Nick Houghton has experience in property investment and development in the UK and the US, as well as in creating and growing companies through to acquisition.

Investment and growth

The company states it has ambitious growth plans for the next decade and is seeking conversations with high-net-worth individuals (HNW) and private equity funds interested in obtaining substantial returns on invested capital. Bunked indicates that its investment offering is unique and offers healthy returns, backed by occupancy above 95% and seven-figure rental turnover.

Tenant services

In addition to property rental, Bunked offers its tenants maintenance management services. The company has a system for requesting repairs through its website, with a 10-day response time for non-urgent maintenance. For emergencies, such as major water leaks, loss of electricity, no heating or hot water, gas leaks, fires, burglaries or broken windows, the company provides a contact phone number with a specific option. It also manages the replacement of lost keys, with a £25 charge for the replacement, and warns of additional charges for out-of-hours services if access to the property is required.

Location and contact

Unit B2 Beacon House Cumberland Business Centre Northumberland Road Portsmouth PO5 1DS · Phone: 023 9309 2163 · Email: invest@bunked.co.uk