Downing Students drives 500% lead surge through new AI partnership

Downing, one of the UK’s leading providers of purpose-built student accommodation, has partnered with AI chat automation platform VerbaFlo in a move that’s transformed its digital engagement strategy.

The collaboration has delivered a 500% increase in lead volume in just 30 days, significantly boosting Downing Students’ commercial performance and accelerating conversion across key markets.

Launched in March, the partnership reflects Downing’s focus on enhancing the student experience through smart, scalable tech. A review of its digital operations revealed a key gap in chat support, with high volumes of global traffic but limited ability to convert enquiries, especially outside standard working hours.

VerbaFlo’s AI-driven chat solution was introduced to close the conversion gap. In just 30 days, chat interactions soared by 1,200%, while captured leads rose by over 500%. For the first time, students are completing property bookings entirely through the chat interface, without the need for additional staff or extended hours.

The transition to VerbaFlo was seamless, requiring no downtime, or additional headcount. Trained on Downing’s portfolio, customer journeys and brand voice, the platform delivers fast, accurate, real-time responses that stay true to the company’s tone and standards.

Approximately 30% of qualified leads now originate from out-of-hours chats, all handled by VerbaFlo. With the platform handling all inbound enquiries, Downing’s support team can shift focus to higher-value initiatives, including resident experience and conversion optimisation. What was once a passive support feature, has become a dynamic, high-performing sales channel, delivering qualified bookings in real-time dashboards.

The partnership reflects Downing’s wider ambition to set the standard for digital innovation and service in the student accommodation sector.  By integrating VerbaFlo’s AI technology, the business has transformed a reactive support channel into a proactive, always-on engine for conversion.