Durham’s student accommodation, done differently.
Cabana is Durham’s own student accommodation brand. Locally rooted, family-run and built around the idea that where you live matters as much as where you study.
WHO WE ARE
A fresh brand. A long track record.
Cabana launched as its own student living brand in 2025, but the people behind it have been investing in Durham property for over two decades.
We are also the only privately owned provider of purpose-built student accommodation in Durham. Every other PBSA operator in the city is part of a national chain. We are not. We are not a new name parachuted in from elsewhere. Our buildings aren’t either. Each one has its own history, its own layout and its own feel. We are a Durham family business that has owned and managed property in this city for years, and Cabana is how we are bringing that experience directly to students.
There are no third parties, no outsourced management companies, no faceless operators in between. What you get with Cabana is the team who owns the buildings, managing them day to day and answering when you call.
HOW WE OPERATE
In-house, hands-on and always nearby.
Every Cabana property is owned and managed directly by our team. That means one maintenance team across all four sites - our own, not a contractor, and a central management office within walking distance of every property.
Out-of-hours emergency cover runs across every site every night. For day-to-day queries, repairs and everything in between, you are always talking to someone who knows your building, knows your street and knows Durham.
THE CABANA COMMUNITY
This is just the beginning.
Cabana is in its first full year as a student living brand, and we are building the community that goes with it. That means events, social spaces and a genuine interest in what our residents think.
We have already held our first resident event and there are more planned. We want to know what you want from where you live, and we are always open to ideas.
If you want to organise something yourself and need a space or a hand making it happen, talk to us. We want students to choose Cabana, enjoy living here and come back the following year. The best way to make that happen is to listen. So we do.
STUDENT VOICE
Tell us what you think.
We are a new brand and we know we will not get everything right from day one.
That is why we want to hear from residents… what is working, what is not and what would make Cabana better.
There are no suggestion boxes gathering dust here. If you have an idea, get in touch. We are the kind of team who will actually listen.
THE WARD GROUP CONNECTION
Backed by people who know Durham property.
Cabana is part of Ward Group Investments, a privately owned property business with a portfolio of more than £200 million across the UK.
Ward Group has been investing in Durham for over two decades. It owns the buildings Cabana operates from and provides the long-term backing that means we are not going anywhere.
We are a small team, which means you will get to know us quickly and we will get to know you.
Sarah
General Manager, Student Portfolio
Sarah leads the Cabana student portfolio, with years of experience in student lettings and purpose-built accommodation behind her. She knows this sector well, and more importantly, she knows what good management actually looks and feels like for the people living in it. If Cabana runs smoothly, a lot of that is down to Sarah.
Lynne
Head of Finance
Lynne is CIMA qualified and oversees finance and HR across the group. From rent payments to budgeting to the people side of the business, she keeps things running properly behind the scenes. If the financial side of your tenancy runs smoothly, Lynne is a big part of why.
Mick
Facilities Manager
Mick started out as an electrician, joined Ward Group as a Maintenance Engineer, and worked his way up to Facilities Manager in under two years. He knows these buildings inside out… literally. When something needs fixing at a Cabana property, Mick’s team is on it. Outside work, he coaches Under-11s football at the Foundation of Light.
Faye
Property Manager
Faye has spent over three years in student lettings and has built a reputation among residents for being approachable and genuinely easy to talk to. She has completed a Mental Health Awareness course and takes the welfare side of the job seriously. If something is worrying you during your tenancy, Faye is a good person to start with.
Faith
Property Manager
Faith manages the day-to-day across our student portfolio, from inspections and maintenance to tenancy admin and everything that comes up in between. She works with residents from the moment they move in to the day they leave, and takes real pride in making sure things are dealt with quickly and properly. You will get to know Faith.
Maintenance staff
In-house maintenance
Behind the scenes, our in-house maintenance team keeps every property running. When something needs fixing, it is our own people on the job. No third parties, no waiting for a contractor to be arranged.
How do I book a room?
Choose your property and room type, complete your application online and we’ll take it from there. Our team will guide you through every step to get your room secured.
Can I live with my friends?
Yes, just let us know when you apply. We can’t promise, but we will always do our best to place you together.
What if I miss a payment?
Get in touch with us as soon as you can. We’re here to help, not to judge, and we’ll point you in the right direction to get things sorted.
How do I report a maintenance issue?
Through the Concurrent App. You’ll find step-by-step instructions in your move-in pack and on the notice boards across each property. Our own maintenance team picks these up directly, so nothing gets lost in the middle.