Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), has reported exceptionally strong demand for the 2024/25 academic year — a clear sign that the student housing crunch isn’t easing anytime soon.
The company revealed that 86% of its rooms were already reserved by April 2024, far ahead of the usual pace. Occupancy for 2023/24 stood at 98%, and rents are expected to rise by around 5% for the coming year.
Why the surge? A mix of rising student numbers, a shortage of quality housing, and universities securing beds directly through nomination agreements are all key drivers. Meanwhile, new PBSA developments are down, due to high construction costs and planning delays, tightening supply even further.
Unite is continuing to invest in new developments, but the overall message is clear: student demand is outpacing supply — and that trend isn’t slowing down.