What Does a Lease-Up Specialist Do?

Being a lease-up specialist for a new student housing development can be both exciting and challenging. It requires a particular set of skills and knowledge to ensure that the development is fully occupied before the start of the academic year. In this blog post, we will discuss what it means to be a lease-up specialist for a new student housing development and the essential strategies to succeed in the role.

What is a lease-up specialist?

A lease-up specialist is responsible for marketing and leasing new properties, whether they are apartment complexes, commercial spaces, or student housing developments. For a student housing development, the lease-up specialist is the primary point of contact for potential residents, and their goal is to fill all available units as soon as possible.

Strategies for success

- Build a strong marketing campaign -

The first step to success as a lease-up specialist is to develop a strong marketing campaign that targets potential residents. This campaign should include online and offline marketing strategies, such as social media, email marketing, print advertisements, and targeted digital ads. The goal is to generate as much interest as possible from potential residents.

- Build a strong relationship with the university -

One of the essential strategies for success as a lease-up specialist for a new student housing development is to build a strong relationship with the local university. Universities are excellent resources for promoting the property and generating interest from students. By partnering with the university, the lease-up specialist can attend campus events, provide tours of the property, and offer incentives to students who sign a lease.

- Offer competitive amenities and pricing -

To stand out from the competition, it is essential to offer competitive amenities and pricing. Students are often looking for properties that offer a wide range of amenities, such as fitness centers, study rooms, and social areas. The lease-up specialist should also be aware of the pricing in the local market and offer competitive rates to attract potential residents.

- Create a sense of community -

Creating a sense of community is an essential strategy for success as a lease-up specialist for a new student housing development. Students are often looking for properties that offer a sense of belonging and community. The lease-up specialist can create this by hosting events and activities that bring residents together, such as movie nights, game nights, and community service projects.

- Provide excellent customer service -

Finally, providing excellent customer service is crucial to success as a lease-up specialist for a new student housing development. This includes responding promptly to inquiries, being knowledgeable about the property and amenities, and addressing any concerns or issues that residents may have. By providing excellent customer service, the lease-up specialist can create a positive reputation for the property and generate referrals from satisfied residents.

Being a lease-up specialist for a new student housing development can be a challenging but rewarding role. To succeed, the lease-up specialist must develop a strong marketing campaign, build a strong relationship with the local university, offer competitive amenities and pricing, create a sense of community, and provide excellent customer service. By following these essential strategies, the lease-up specialist can fill all available units and ensure a successful launch of the new student housing development.