Fat Properties

Fat Properties is a UK-based company specialising in the provision of student accommodation. The firm was co-founded by Philippa and Tom Charrier, who bring extensive experience from the built environment sector, garnered both within the UK and internationally. Their professional background encompasses architecture, urban design, and landscape, with prior involvement in high-profile urban regeneration projects and residential developments across various global locations. This accumulated design expertise is now applied to the conversion of existing properties into student homes.

The company is officially registered in England and Wales under company registration number 10717879. The core mission of Fat Properties is to create inspiring and spacious student homes, aiming to foster a balanced environment for both social engagement and academic study. The company's vision for aspirational student accommodation is founded on three key principles: the creation of well-designed properties, the delivery of a high standard of customer experience, and the cultivation of a strong sense of community among residents. Properties are specifically designed with study requirements in mind, incorporating both communal and private spaces to accommodate diverse moods and needs [scraped content].

The firm focuses on transforming properties into living environments that are warm, comfortable, stylish, and secure [scraped content]. This design philosophy is informed by the understanding that the physical environment significantly influences individuals' behaviour, mood, and overall mental wellbeing. Fat Properties is committed to providing a personal, responsive, and hassle-free service for its tenants. The firm prioritises the happiness and welfare of its residents, ensuring they are well looked after.

The company aims to simplify the living experience by managing various aspects, which can include bills, cleaning, and insurance, depending on the property. Tenant safety is a paramount concern, with comprehensive maintenance plans in place for all properties and their appliances. Qualified experts are engaged to carry out any necessary work, and relevant certifications are provided to residents. Operating as a professional and customer-centric organisation, Fat Properties holds accreditations from Lancaster University Homes and Lancaster City Council, and is a member of the National Landlord Association, reflecting over 15 years of property management experience.

Student accommodation constitutes the sole focus of Fat Properties' operational activities. The company is actively engaged in expanding its portfolio of student homes into various cities across the UK. This expansion strategy is designed to support students in achieving their academic objectives while simultaneously generating returns for investors. The firm seeks to collaborate with investors who align with its vision for high-quality student housing and who are looking for secure returns from property investments.

Fat Properties maintains that a focus on the fundamental principles of design, customer experience, and community building provides a solid foundation for both student success and a robust business model. Beyond its property development activities, Fat Properties contributes to industry discourse and thought leadership. The company's founders authored "The ethical property developer’s guide to creating student accommodation that outperforms the market," also known as "Designed for Wellbeing" [scraped content, cite: 7]. This publication offers practical guidance for property investors on how to develop portfolios that positively impact the wellbeing of their tenants.

Additionally, the firm produces a podcast where Philippa and Tom Charrier interview pioneers in design, thought leaders, developers, architects, and entrepreneurs who are pushing boundaries in design [scraped content, cite: 7]. This initiative underscores the company's dedication to integrating wellbeing and quality of life into property development, which it considers essential for long-term, sustainable success.