Student scheme earns top marks in Sunderland

A Sunderland student accommodation scheme has been rated the best in the city after reaching full occupancy during its first year under a new operator.

Cassaton House, a 105-studio development next to Sunderland train station, has achieved a 4.51 out of five rating on StudentCrowd, ahead of the city’s next highest-rated scheme at 4.01.

Redwood Living took over operation of the building in June 2025 and sold every room for the academic year, despite wider challenges across the private student accommodation market.

Rather than making significant changes to the building, the ANUK-accredited operator focused on its management, appointing an experienced accommodation manager and developing dedicated on-site maintenance and cleaning teams.

Student reviews have highlighted the team’s approach to resolving issues and supporting residents, with all on-site staff receiving welfare training.

Alec Bryant, co-founder of Redwood Living, said: “For a lot of these students it is the first time they have lived away from home, so we want them to have a safe place to grow as young adults while they study in Sunderland, in a home that is well managed.”

Cassaton House, which is less than a ten-minute walk from the university’s main campus, also features a gym, study rooms, social kitchen and dining area, concierge and CCTV.

Jamie York, co-founder of Redwood Living, added: “Taking on a building of this size cemented the hard work we had put in, starting with three-bedroom HMOs and now operating 100-unit student accommodation.”

Redwood Living, which leases buildings directly from landlords on long-term agreements, now plans to expand further in Sunderland and take on additional accommodation across the North East.

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