Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
A new outlook released by University Living highlights mounting pressure in the UK student accommodation market as rising international enrolments coincide with limited supply of purpose-built student housing. The report indicates that more than 700,000 international students are currently studying across UK universities, with London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol among the most sought-after destinations. Average annual student accommodation costs in London have reached approximately GBP 13,600, while purpose-built student accommodation occupancy in prime locations continues to exceed 97%. The findings suggest a widening gap between enrolment levels and available beds across key university cities, making early accommodation planning increasingly important for international students and families preparing for overseas study.
A new market outlook released by University Living points to increasing cost pressures and persistent supply shortages in the United Kingdom's student accommodation sector, driven by strong international enrolment and limited expansion of purpose-built student housing. Advertisement
The 2026 UK Student Accommodation Outlook indicates that more than 700,000 international students are currently enrolled across universities in the country, based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol continue to attract the highest concentration of international students, intensifying demand for student housing in these locations.
According to the report, the average annual cost of student accommodation in London has reached approximately GBP 13,600, with prime areas commanding even higher rents. Rental benchmarks across major UK university markets have recorded steady increases since 2021, with no meaningful decline in pricing trends.
Occupancy levels in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) have remained particularly tight. In prime university markets, occupancy rates consistently exceed 97%, with several properties in high-demand cities reportedly fully booked by spring, months ahead of the September academic intake cycle.
The report also highlights a structural supply-demand imbalance across several Tier-1 university cities. While student enrolment continues to grow, the number of available PBSA beds has not expanded at the same pace, creating a widening accommodation gap and reducing pricing flexibility for families seeking housing closer to the start of the academic year.
Commenting on the findings, Saurabh Arora, co-founder and chief executive officer of University Living, indicated that accommodation planning is increasingly becoming part of the admissions process rather than a separate activity handled after university offers are confirmed.
The report also notes that international families must factor in additional costs beyond rent, including security deposits, advance payments and currency conversion charges when transferring funds from overseas. As a result, early booking and verified platforms are becoming key considerations for students planning accommodation before arriving in the UK.
University Living said it currently works with accommodation providers near major universities across more than 640 cities globally, supporting students relocating for overseas education with verified listings and structured booking systems.
Source - PTI
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
