Best Student Letting Agencies in Exeter
Only agencies with a verified Google rating of 3★ or above — honest reviews, key details and practical tips to help you find your perfect student home near the University of Exeter.
Before you search
Best Areas
Pennsylvania and St James are most popular for Streatham Campus students. St Davids suits those wanting city-centre access. St Luke's Campus students often look in Heavitree and Wonford.
Average Rent
Shared houses: £100–£140/week per person. Private studios: £150–£220/week. Exeter is one of the pricier non-London student cities. Bills add roughly £25–40/week unless all-inclusive.
When to Look
October–November for a September move-in. Pennsylvania properties in particular are gone before Christmas every year. Start early — Exeter's student market is highly competitive for its size.
Deposit Rules
Max 5 weeks' rent as a deposit. Must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Always ask which scheme before you pay — and document the property on move-in day.
Exeter Studentpad & the Exeter Code
Studentpad Exeter is the University of Exeter's official housing search tool — it lists dozens of smaller private landlords and agencies meeting the University's own standards. Look also for agents who are members of the Exeter Code, a voluntary accreditation scheme guaranteeing higher management standards than the legal minimum. Both resources are free to use and are the safest starting points for Exeter students.
Letting Agencies — rated 3★ & above on Google
Robert Williams holds a 4.9★ Google rating from 208 reviews — the most credible top score on this list, combining a near-perfect rating with a very substantial review base. A well-established Exeter sales and lettings agency consistently praised for professional, responsive service across both student and residential lets.
Exeter Property holds a 4.9★ Google rating from 142 reviews — an impressive near-perfect score backed by a large, well-evidenced review base. Consistently praised for professional lettings management across Exeter, they are a strong, high-confidence option for students and residential tenants alike.
Palmer Collins holds a 4.9★ Google rating from 37 reviews. An independent agent on Longbrook Street noted for its proactive and friendly approach to both residential and student lets. A smaller, independent option with a near-perfect early signal — research further given the smaller review count.
Martin & Co Exeter holds a 4.8★ Google rating from 384 reviews — one of the strongest combinations of rating and review volume on this list. A national chain with a well-established Exeter branch, they combine professional lettings management with broad local coverage and a high-confidence well-evidenced track record.
Winkworth Exeter holds a 4.8★ Google rating from 529 reviews — the highest review count of any agency on this list by a significant margin, giving exceptional confidence in the rating. A 4.8★ score across 529 reviews is one of the strongest signals of consistent, sustained quality of any agency in Exeter.
Star Students holds a 4.7★ Google rating from 38 reviews. A specialist agency focusing purely on off-campus student accommodation for over 20 years — no residential crossover, just student lets. Their singular focus and longevity gives them unmatched knowledge of the areas Exeter students actually want to live in.
Smart Property Group holds a 4.5★ Google rating from 422 reviews — the second-highest review count on this list, giving very high confidence in the rating. A well-established Exeter lettings and property management company with broad coverage across student and residential properties in the city.
Leamans holds a 4.3★ Google rating from 44 reviews. A long-standing city-centre specialist with over 20 years of experience in the Exeter rental market. Well-regarded for their knowledge of the city and a reliable, professional approach to both student and residential lettings.
Francis Louis Residential holds a 4.0★ Google rating from 188 reviews — a well-evidenced score given the solid review base. An independent Exeter estate agent managing student and residential properties across the city, with a particular presence in popular student areas like St James and Pennsylvania.
Northwood Exeter holds a 3.9★ Google rating from 97 reviews — a well-evidenced score. With a dedicated student department focusing on high-end student houses and modern apartments, they offer broad coverage with a consistent track record. Read recent reviews before proceeding to get a current picture.
Cardens holds a 3.3★ Google rating from 156 reviews — the lowest rating on this list, though with the benefit of a very large, well-evidenced review base. One of the largest student letting agents in Exeter with many properties in the central Longbrook Street area. Read recent reviews carefully before committing.
Student renting tips
6 things every Exeter student should know before signing
Start in October. Pennsylvania and St James are some of the most competitive streets in any UK student city relative to its size. The best houses are gone before Christmas every year.
Use Studentpad first. Exeter Studentpad is the University's official housing search tool — it lists dozens of smaller landlords and agencies meeting university standards that won't appear in a standard Google search.
Look for the Exeter Code. Member agencies agree to higher management standards than the law requires. Always check if your shortlisted agency is a member — it's free to verify via Unipol's directory.
Check deposit protection. Your deposit must be registered in a government-backed scheme within 30 days. Ask which one before you pay — and document the property with timestamped photos on move-in day.
Ask about bills-inclusive options. Exeter rents are high for a non-London city. An all-inclusive rent makes budgeting across the full academic year significantly more manageable — always ask before comparing properties.
Check HMO licensing. Any house shared by 3 or more unrelated people requires a valid HMO licence. Ask to see it — a reputable agency will produce it without hesitation. If they can't, walk away.