UK Student Accommodation

Despite BREXIT and economic uncertainty demand for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) continues to grow. 2021 saw the greatest admissions ever (full time: 630,000 undergraduates and 340,000 post grad).

Students prefer PBSAs to traditional, often substandard, landlord-run residences, resulting in a continued 'flight to excellence.'

HESA data has demonstrated an 8% increase in the number of full time students in the UK. This is a trend that has been consistent in recent years, most specifically in 2021, which saw the largest number of admissions ever. (full time: 630,000 undergraduates and 340,000 post grad).

Non-EU intakes have increased by 1.4% undergraduate and 2.4% post grad, this, and strong domestic demand have compensated for a 50% drop in EU intakes.

750,000 UCAS applications and 560,000 offers (2021) were also a new highs. With continued growth in domestic and non-EU international students, Savills predict 2022 will surpass 2021 with 760,000 applications.

Arguments for investing in student housing

UK government policy is pro number of international higher education students who account for: 20.7 percent of the student population, 14.9 percent of all undergraduate students, and 37.1 percent of all postgraduate students. The UK government aim to increase this to 600,000 per year by 2030.

PBSA landlords have the potential to address excess demand by providing a product at a competitive price for domestic students.

In terms of operation around 47% of the student beds are operated by the private sector with the balance managed by the universities.

The discerning student

Students prefer PBSAs to traditional, often substandard, landlord-run residences, resulting in a continued 'flight to excellence.'

Domestic student demand is at an all-time high, whilst not only is private rental sector (PRS) and HMO stock limited and contracting, but when demand preferance is larger community focussed purpose built well maintained stock.

The "availability of services" is key. Students want 24-hour service, whether it's for rental or maintenance, and those that don't provide it risk losing residents

UK student cities

Tier 1 cities for student housing

Tier 1 cities with strong increases in student numbers, high student-to-bed ratios, and/or restricted pipelines continue to have a high need for additional housing. Bristol has ascended to the top tier: it has a healthy pipeline, yet supply shortages mean still some students are forced to live in Bath.

LIST OF TIER 1 CITIES

  • London Student Housing

    Students love London’s diversity, with the city’s citizens and students coming from all over the world. This diversity seeps through to the city’s culture, as well as its food and drink. In addition to the culture, there is plenty to do in London. Not only is it home to some of the best museums, including National History Museum and many other free entrance galleries; but also London has some of the best nightlife in Europe. Consequently, young people and students are drawn from all over the UK to experience the exciting nights out of London.

    London is an academic hotspot with many highly ranked Universities. There are currently approximately 49,985 full-time students living there and attending famous institutions including: King College, The London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and many more. No matter where in London you’re studying you’ll never be more than a short walk away from a park, as 47% of the city is made up of parks, commons and other outdoor spaces. Students from all over the city head to London’s best love parks including; Hyde park, regents park, Hampstead and St James.

  • Bristol Student Housing

    Bristol is a vibrant friendly city with over 24,125 full time students and a variety of attractions to suit all tastes. There are lively music and art scenes, exciting places to eat and drink and over 450 parks and open spaces earning its reputation as a green city. The university of Bristol is one of the top and most popular universities in the UK, and in the top 60 in the world. Bristol puts a big emphasis on its research and student experience.

  • Bath Student Housing

    Bath is a convenient gateway to the beautiful south west of England and it’s easy to explore the region from the train and coach stations in the city centre. nvestment of over £450 million into city facilities and campuses has made Bath an enjoyable home for many students. These investments have built new student accommodations and academic buildings, as well as allowing for the expansion of their world-class sports training village – with its 50m Olympic legacy swimming pool, gym and three storey fitness centre.

    The city of Bath is the UK’s only entire city inscribed as a world heritage site. Its gothic abbey, elegant Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths which give the city its name, make Bath exceptionally scenic. Bath boasts an impressive range of activity options and is ranked as the second safest university city in England. Some of the top ranked universities in bath include; University of Bath, Bath Spa University and Bath College. Welcoming students and staff from across the world, 32% of their students come from outside the UK, representing over 147 nationalities. Bath holds around 72,505 full time students.

  • Birmingham Student Housing

    Birmingham is a popular destination among international students when they’re assessing their options for where to study in the UK. Home to one of the largest and most diverse populations in the nation, Birmingham is frequently chosen as a study location over London. Its drastically more affordable rent prices, cost of living and even everyday food prices make it a very appealing destination for students.

    This is a city that is used to having large numbers of domestic and international students move into the city, so it’s easy to find student discounts when it comes to eating out, nightlife, and entertainment options such as checking out a movie in the cinema. Birmingham also has some world-renowned universities, making it a strong candidate for anybody who is looking for a prestigious degree.

    The topped ranked universities in Birmingham include; University of Birmingham, Aston university and Birmingham city university. Birmingham holds 33,385 full time students.

  • Brighton Student Housing

    Brighton is located on the south coast of England and only a half hour train journey to London. Students across the world are drawn to study in Brighton for its low costs, sunny beaches, great transport connections and its unique culture and way of life. With Brighton having a beautiful coastline, while also being close to the countryside students get the best of both worlds.

    The top ranked universities in Brighton are the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College. Brighton holds around 58,100 full time students with over 200 undergraduate courses to choose from, the university of Brighton gives a huge amount of choice and freedom to guide your future.

  • Edinburgh Student Housing

    Edinburgh is viewed to be a very safe student city with a low crime rate. The University of Edinburgh consistently receives high satisfaction ratings for safety and security. As a university, Edinburgh has a very diverse student base including over 14,000 international students from over 150 countries. Edinburgh as the capital of Scotland and one of our greenest cities, is widely considered one of the most desirable places to live in the UK. The university of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities ranked at top 50. Their entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students from across the globe, creating a unique Edinburgh experience. They provide a stimulating working, learning and teaching environment with access to good facilities.

    Edinburgh holds around 66,155 full time students.

  • Manchester Student Housing

    Manchester is known to be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and it’s a city with many charms. Being one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, international students from around the world choose to come and study here. It offers a multicultural environment where international students feel at home, which helps with the feelings many people have when living independently for the first time. The culture, the music, and the food are some of the most celebrated aspects of the city. Universities in Manchester are some of the most prolific employers in the city.

    Many student choose to study in Manchester because it offers an active social life with a multicultural setting; but also it has a cheaper cost of living, allowing students to find high quality accommodation more easily. The University of Manchester offers over 1,000 degree programmes across the humanities, business, science, and engineering subject areas. These programmes include foundation courses, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, PhDs and MBAs. The top ranking universities in Manchester include; University of Manchester, Manchester metropolitan university and BPP university. Manchester holds around 33,430 full time students.

Tier 2 cities for student housing

The higher and lower second-tier cities have high demand scores as well, although they usually have greater stock and/or larger pipelines.

LIST OF TIER 2 CITIES

  • Durham Student Housing

    Durham is a world Heritage city and the University’s Castle and Cathedral have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, founded in 1837. As a collegiate university, its main functions are divided between the academic departments of the University and its 17 colleges. In general, the departments perform research and provide teaching to students, while the colleges are responsible for their domestic arrangements and welfare.

    Durham is situated in northeast England, and is one of the most picturesque cities in the UK. The skyline is dominated by the 11th Century cathedral and castle, which is a world heritage site. Durham has a range of shops and restaurants, with a daily indoor market and a much larger outdoor market twice a week. The Queen's Campus is located 20 miles from Durham, at Stockton. A free bus service runs daily between the two campuses.

    Durham is relatively small and all university departments, colleges and facilities are within walking distance of each other. Likewise, if students live in university accommodation at Queen's Campus, the academic buildings are within a five-minute walk. In Durham currently holds 18,505 full time students.

    Durham is a city in northeast England, south of Newcastle upon Tyne. The River Wear loops around the Romanesque Durham Cathedral and Norman Durham Castle. North of the castle, 13th-century, medieval Crook Hall is home to gardens and a maze. South of the river, Durham University offers a Botanic Garden with woodland and tropical plants, and the Oriental Museum exhibiting Asian, Egyptian and Middle Eastern artefacts.

    Last year Durham city has been named one of Britain's eight most beautiful cities by National Geographic. Set in the heart of an historic city in the northeast of England, Durham University is one of the UK's most prestigious universities. It is well-known for its long, impressive history of academic excellence, outstanding research and the quality of its graduates. Currently there are 18,505 Full-time students with a 6.4% Annual change in UG applications.

  • Canterbury Student Housing

    Residents and visitors tend to appreciate Canterbury’s vibrant natural scenery, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as its varied shopping and dining opportunities. This city offers a series of universities that between them satisfy a wide range of niches and specialist subjects, and perhaps of more interest to most newcomers to Canterbury is that Tankerton Beach is just 7 miles away, a popular option in the summer months when residents need a break from the southern heat.

    Students highlight the good education quality and the relatively good availability of part-time jobs. The public transport connections with other cities are numerous and the students appreciate this enables them to visit cities such as London and Ashford. It is a quiet place to live and there are many places to meet with friends. The ranking of university’s in Canterbury are University of Kent, university for the creative arts. Canterbury holds around 26,680 full time students.

    Canterbury, a cathedral city in southeast England, was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Canterbury Cathedral, founded 597 A.D is the headquarters of the Church of England and Anglican Communion. Canterbury was voted as the fifth best place to live in the UK and the best in Kent. It was voted as the 31st best place for architectural beauty and the 58th best for quality of life.

    Currently there are 26,680 Full-time students with a -0.9% Annual change in UG applications is it ranked the 1001 in World University Rankings by Times Higher Education and has an overall score of 4.3 stars.

  • York Student Housing

    York, often referred to as the White Rose City, is a city located in the state of Pennsylvania, and is known for its friendly locals, highly affordable housing, and its trademark delicacies like Pierogis and Scrapple. Often described as a quiet and peaceful place to live, York offers a lot of life outdoors, with county parks that include the Heritage Rail Trail, Rocky Ridge, and John C. Rudy County Park. Being home to a number of reputable universities, while also offering a very low cost of living, York could be a fantastic option for prospective students.

    Apartment rental prices are very affordable in York with the average rental price being £58 lower than the England average. This makes it very flexible for tenants who are deciding whether to live with roommates or not. Cultural diversity is one of York’s strong points with many students coming from overseas. York currently holds 24,250 full time students.

    York is a walled city in northeast England that was founded by the ancient Romans. Its huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, has medieval stained glass and 2 functioning bell towers. The City Walls form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse.

    The University of York is a collegiate research university, located in the city of York, England. Established in 1963, the university has expanded to more than thirty departments and centres, covering a wide range of subjects. They currently have 24,250 Full-time students with a -0.9% Annual change in UG applications

  • Liverpool Student Housing

    Everything about Liverpool oozes diversity and the rich cultural heritage of the inhabitants past and present - with this international outlook felt throughout the city's universities. In fact, the city earns its highest rank for student mix, placing. Although not the most affordable city in the world, Liverpool is not exactly the most expensive city either, ranking 64th for affordability this year.

    The University of Liverpool is a prestigious association of top-24 research-intensive universities in the UK.Although the main campus is in the heart of Liverpool, they also have a partner university in Suzhou, China. Many students that start their studies in Liverpool have the opportunity to spend time studying in China. Liverpool currently holds 53,110 full time students.

    Liverpool is a maritime city in northwest England, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. A key trade and migration port from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, it's also, famously, the hometown of The Beatles. Ferries cruise the waterfront, where the iconic mercantile buildings known as the "Three Graces" – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building – stand on the Pier Head.

    The University of Liverpool is a public research university based in the city of Liverpool, England. University of Liverpool is ranked 101 in Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has an overall score of 4.3 stars, according to student reviews on Studyportals, the best place to find out how students rate their study and living experience at universities from all over the world. They have 53,110 Full-time students/ 6.3% Annual change in UG application 53,110 Full-time students with a 6.3% Annual change in UG applications

  • Leeds Student Housing

    Leeds is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the UK; and it is the cultural, financial and commercial heart of West Yorkshire. When it comes to education, Leeds provides numerous reputable options, which are also varied and cover different areas of interest. Leeds is perhaps most famous among students for its annual music festivals and thriving nightlife scene. Hyde Park and headingly are two of the most popular student areas in terms of places to spend your free time, and are also where the majority of enrolled students live. Popular meet-up points include Hyde Park itself, together with the City Centre’s busy highstreets. For a day out, many residents visit the historical city of York on a warm day to enjoy the sights of the Roman city walls and the cities numerous riverside beer gardens. Leeds hold 60,560 full time students.

    Leeds is a city in the northern English county of Yorkshire. On the south bank of the River Aire, the Royal Armouries houses the national collection of arms and artillery. Across the river, the redeveloped industrial area around Call Lane is famed for bars and live music venues under converted railway arches. Leeds Kirkgate Market features hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls.

    The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was established in 1874 as the Yorkshire College of Science. In 1884 it merged with the Leeds School of Medicine and was renamed Yorkshire College. They have 60,560 Full-time students with a additional 2.0% Annual change in UG applications

  • Reading Student Housing

    Reading is town located in the county of Berkshire and is a major commercial centre, especially for technology and insurance businesses. Its shopping centres, universities and annual festival attract visitors from across the UK and is an increasingly appealing student destination. Reading has rich culture and history dating back to the 8th century, but in more modern times is diverse and multicultural. Reading is also made popular amongst students for its outdoor spaces, and because of the University of Reading’s excellent rank as the 4th greenest university in the UK.

    Students tend appreciate the proximity of Reading to bigger cities like London and Oxford. The university of reading is a Top 30 UK University (ranked 27th out of 84 UK universities featured in the QS World University Rankings, 2021) based in the South East of England, 25 minutes from central London by train. Currently holds 15,310 full time students.

    Reading is a large town on the Thames and Kennet rivers in southern England. It’s known for the annual Reading Festival, an outdoor rock music event. Shops and riverside restaurants dot the town centre. The Reading Museum contains exhibits on the town’s history and displays a Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. The ruins of the 12th-century Reading Abbey lie beside Forbury Gardens, a Victorian formal garden.

    The University of Reading is a public university in Reading, Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1892 as University College, Reading, a University of Oxford extension college. They have 15,310 Full-time students/ 12.3% Annual change in UG applications

  • Lancaster Student Housing

    The campus provides a series of amenities for its students, including banks and a post office. Academically, all of this university’s courses and programmes are accredited and approved by MARP, ensuring that the curriculums delivered here are set at a high standard. In terms of facilities, students have access to a variety of study and recreational spaces intended to improve their wellbeing, such as Meditation and Tai Chi classes, and Woodland walks.

    Lancaster currently has 14,230 full time.

    Lancaster is a city in northwest England. On a hilltop, the medieval Lancaster Castle has antique furniture, 19th-century prison cells and views of the River Lune. Lancaster City Museum features displays on the city’s history and its army regiment in a Georgian building. Williamson Park offers woodland walks, a butterfly house and coastal views. The city's seafaring past is explored at Lancaster Maritime Museum.

    Lancaster University is a collegiate public research university in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. The university was established by royal charter in 1964, one of several new universities created in the 1960s. they have 14,230 Full-time students and a massive increase of 14.4% Annual change in UG applications

  • Leicester Student Housing

    Leicester for students is known for its rich history and green surroundings, Leicester is new to the best student cities ranking, Leicester boats two leading universities; University of Leicester and De Montfort University. The diversity of its students, the international students make 30% of the students in Leicester universities and the city earns a high score for student mix. The population in the two universities are 552,000.

    (40,085 Full-time students/ -1.0% Annual change in UG applications)

  • Belfast Student Housing

    Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital. It was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which famously struck an iceberg and sunk in 1912. Famous place include Belfast City Hall, Cathedral Quarter, St George's Market, CS Lewis Square, Belfast Botanic Gardens, Crumlin Road Gaol and Falls Road.

    There are currently 21,065 Full-time students a -5.8% Annual change in UG applications at the main university (queens university).

  • Birmingham Student Housing

    With a population of 1.1 million people Birmingham is a major city in England’s West Midlands region, with multiple Industrial Revolution-era landmarks that speak to its 18th-century history as a manufacturing powerhouse. It’s also home to a network of canals, many of which radiate from Sherborne Wharf and are now lined with trendy cafes and bars. In the city centre, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is known for pre-Raphaelite masterpieces.

    Birmingham is ranked 19th out of 121 universities surveyed. There are currently 72,505 Full-time students with a 4.3% Annual change in UG applications.

  • Glasgow Student Housing

    Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland.

    The University of Glasgow is a public research university in Glasgow, Scotland. Founded by papal bull in 1451, it is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. They have

  • Guildford Student Housing

    Guildford is a town in southern England. In the centre is the medieval Guildford Castle, with landscaped gardens and views from its square tower. Guildford House, a 17th-century town home, has a gallery with rotating exhibitions. Southwest, Loosely Park features a 16th-century manor house with a walled garden.

    The University of Surrey is a public research university in Guildford, Surrey, England. The university received its royal charter in 1966, along with a number of other institutions following recommendations in the Robbins Report. They currently have 15,715 Full-time students with a -8.6% Annual change in UG applications

  • Newcastle Student Housing

    Newcastle upon Tyne is a university city on the River Tyne in northeast England. With its twin city, Gateshead, it was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution and is now a centre of business, arts and sciences.

    Currently the university is ranked 42nd in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ,37th in the Complete University Guide 2022 and 51st in the Guardian University league tables 2021. Though they have a high acceptance rate Newcastle university still competes very highly with other Russell group universities. They currently have 50,760 Full-time students with a 5.7% Annual change in UG applications.

  • Cardiff Student Housing

    Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales. It forms a principal area, officially known as the City and County of Cardiff, and the city is the eleventh-largest in the United Kingdom. Cardiff is the county town of the historic county of Glamorgan

    Cardiff University is a public research university in Cardiff, Wales. It was established in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire and became a founding college of the University of Wales in 1893. They currently have 36,520 Full-time students and an increase of 9.2% Annual change in UG applications

  • Bournemouth Student Housing

    Bournemouth is a coastal resort town on the south coast of England. At the 2011 census, the town had a population of 183,491. With Poole to the west and Christchurch in the east, Bournemouth is part of the South East Dorset conurbation, which has a population of 465,000.

    Bournemouth University is a public university in Bournemouth, England, with its main campus situated in neighbouring Poole. The university was founded in 1992; however, the origins of its predecessor date back to the early 1900s. As of this year have 18,335 Full-time students and an increase of 1.2% Annual change in UG applications.

  • Cambridge Student Housing

    Cambridge is a city on the River Cam in eastern England, home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, dating to 1209. University colleges include King’s, famed for its choir and towering Gothic chapel, as well as Trinity, founded by Henry VIII, and St John’s, with its 16th-century Great Gate. University museums have exhibits on archaeology and anthropology, polar exploration, the history of science and zoology.

    The University of Cambridge is a collegiate research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Founded in 1209 and granted a royal charter by Henry III in 1231, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's third-oldest surviving university. This is the second most prestigious school in England after oxford 41,150 Full-time students and an increase of 2.0% Annual change in UG applications

  • Chichester Student Housing

    Chichester is a cathedral city and civil parish in West Sussex, England. It is the only city in West Sussex and its county town. It was a Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlement and a major market town from those times through Norman and medieval times to the present day.

    The University of Chichester is a public university located in West Sussex, England, which became a university in 2005. Campuses are based in the city of Chichester and the nearby coastal resort of Bognor Regis and an associate campus for commercial music on the Isle of Wight. This year this year they have 4,405 Full-time students and an increase of 19.2% Annual change in UG applications

  • Colchester Student Housing

    Colchester is a town in the county of Essex, in southeast England. In the Castle Park, Colchester Castle is a huge Norman keep, built on the foundations of a Roman temple. Its museum displays artefacts up to 2,500 years old. Also in the park is Hollytrees Museum, a Georgian townhouse displaying 3 centuries of clothing, clocks and decorative arts. Nearby, in the Dutch Quarter, are the remains of a Roman theatre.

    The University of Essex is a public research university in Essex, England. Established in 1963, welcomed students in 1964, and acquired university status by royal charter in 1965 - the university is a plate glass university. A very prestigious University in a beautiful location providing top quality education. These have 14,745 Full-time students, with a decrease of -12.2% Annual change in UG applications

  • Egham Student Housing

    Egham is a university town in the Borough of Runnymede in Surrey, England, approximately 19 miles west of central London. First settled in the Bronze Age, the town was under the control of Chertsey Abbey for much of the Middle Ages. Egham is a small, quiet town with a rich history and a friendly community for students. Living in Egham, you will have the benefit of being only 40 minutes away from London by train, but enjoy leafy surroundings and be close to nature.

    Royal Holloway ranked in top four universities in London and the top 25 in the UK. Royal Holloway, University of London, has risen four places in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019, to 24 in the national rankings. Royal Holloway, University of London, formally incorporated as Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, is a public research university and a constituent college of the federal University of London. They have 10,535 Full-time students

  • Exeter Student Housing

    Exeter is an ancient city on the River Exe in southwest England. Dating back to the Roman era, the Exeter City Walls surround its centre and Gothic Exeter Cathedral. Exeter Castle, a Norman landmark, overlooks leafy Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens. To their west, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) displays fine art and costumes. The vaulted, medieval Underground Passages snake beneath the city.

    The University of Exeter is a public research university in Exeter, Devon, South West England, United Kingdom. Its predecessor institutions, St Luke's College, Exeter School of Science, Exeter School of Art, and the Camborne School of Mines were established in 1838, 1855, 1863, and 1888 respectively. The University is ranked 143rd in the latest (2022) Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the most influential global league table. The University is ranked 149th in the latest (2022) QS World University Rankings. They have 24,420 Full-time students and an increase of 2.0% Annual change in UG applications

  • Northampton Student Housing

    Northampton is a town in England’s East Midlands region. The house at 78 Derngate, remodeled by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916–1917, is now a museum. Abington Park Museum has local history and fashion exhibits. Barnes Meadow Nature Reserve has grassland and wetland bird habitats. Sywell Country Park, built around a former reservoir, includes meadows, a playground and a native butterfly garden.

    The University of Northampton is a public university based in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England. It was formed in 1999 by the amalgamation of a number of training colleges, and gained full university status as the University of Northampton in 2005. They have 9,675 Full-time students with a -3.2% Annual change in UG applications

  • Norwich Student Housing

    Norwich is a city in England's Norfolk County. Northeast of the centre, medieval Norwich Cathedral is a Romanesque building with ornate cloisters. Two imposing gates, St. Ethelbert’s and Erpingham, lead to the Tombland area, once a Saxon marketplace. Nearby, the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell traces local history, including a re-created old pharmacy and exhibits on the textile industry.

    Norwich University of the Arts is a public university in Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom that specialises in art, design and media. It was founded as Norwich School of Design in 1845 and has a long history of arts education. It gained full university status in 2013. They have 18,330 Full-time students with a -5.7% Annual change in UG applications

  • Sheffield Student Housing

    Sheffield is a city in the English county of South Yorkshire. In the city centre, the Millennium Gallery shows metalwork and art from Sheffield and around the world. It adjoins the Winter Garden, a large temperate glasshouse filled with plants. Kelham Island Museum covers the city’s industrial heritage. The nearby countryside is part of Peak District National Park, characterised by moorland and rocky ridges.

    There are two universities within Sheffield the first one is Sheffield Hallam University is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. The university is based on two sites; the City Campus is located in the city centre near Sheffield . the second more prestigious university ,The University of Sheffield is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Its history traces back to the foundation of Sheffield Medical School in 1828, Firth College in 1879 and Sheffield Technical School in 1884 and they currently have 52,535 Full-time students/ 3.9% Annual change in UG applications

  • Southampton Student Housing

    30,645 Full-time students/ -0.2% Annual change in UG applications

  • Stirling Student Housing

    10,505 Full-time students/ -3.5% Annual change in UG applications

  • Warwick Student Housing

    55,575 Full-time students/ -4.6% Annual change in UG applications

  • Winchester Student Housing

    6,910 Full-time students/ 0.1% Annual change in UG applications)

  • Nottingham Student Housing

    63,905 Full-time students/ 1.9% Annual change in UG applications

  • Loughborough Student Housing

    17,115 Full-time students/ 3.6% Annual change in UG applications

Market opportunities

The stock problem: 75% of university PBSAs were built before 1999 and need to be replaced at the same time rental stock in the larger private rented sector (PRS), such as HMOs, has become increasingly limited.

Changes in regulations relating to multi-occupancy homes have reduced the supply of rental stock in the larger private rented sector (PRS) and HMOs, has become increasingly limited. Tax and regulatory changes have put a strain on buy-to-let investors, prompting many to sell their properties, all boosting demand for PBSA.

The demand problem: the increased number of students is putting a strain on university housing. To meet the needs of their students, many universities will need to seek nomination agreements with the private sector.

The rise in the number of domestic students has created a unique opportunity for PBSA operators to tap into this pool of demand by offering a variety of stock kinds and price points.

Because full-time students are more likely to live away from home than part-time students, the number of full-time students in the UK is a primary factor in PBSA demand.

Student housing investment challenges

The play is to look at stock in the planning pipeline, the age of, and competition from existing stock and for cities with strong increases making high student-to-bed ratios.

Student housing (PBSA) continues to be counter-cyclical, with student numbers increasing during economic uncertainty.

For non-platform buyers' market concrentration has reduced options shifting the play towards development and a need to partner with developers. Access to suitable building sites is competitive, with developers of multi-family housing and logistics often also in pursuit.

Construction cost inflation continues to influence viability; with construction cost inflation rising steeply due to rising material costs, energy prices and labour shortages. Only good control over supply chains can mitigate these risks.

However, that said the PBSA sector has a proven track record of revenue generation and a fundamentally solid demand outlook. Funds are looking for core or above-core returns, but there are few operators. International students have historically been over-represented in the PBSA, further fueling robust growth with strong demand continuing.

The ‘One Stop Shop’ Student Operator

Given the increased demand for low-cost PBSAs but not for low-spec, Ringley has established an integrated asset, leasing and student management model, to provide an end-to-end solution for owners and local developers, Institutional investors, real estate investment managers, overseas funds, family offices, landlords in education to create value through strategic partnerships.

Being close to demand demographics, falling EU applications, rising non EU international students as well as UK demand and ourse popularity which drives the UK Tier 1 and Tier 2 University league tables to find emerging locations. Refining the business model including product then means size, ideal building, number of beds, studios, cluster flats. Followed by research and advice on specification requirements for units and common areas, as well as amenities and key services all focused on the 'student experience'. Then, recruitment of the on site team to build the community, supported by 25+ years of operational experience and effective facilities management.

It starts with a site, or what we call 'Virgin Land' which is also the name of Ringley's digital land company, your outsource land department. If planning is favourable, once secured, managing the asset or opportunity includes appointing the project team and development manager and early life cycle project monitoring prior to practical completion, mobilisation, lease up and the journey through ESG strategies to a stabilised investment.

Our Asset Management Team

The key to our success is our people

Andrew

London Office

Director

Mary-Anne

London Office

Group CEO

Oliver Hopkins

London Office

Capital Markets Associate

Mitch Hammond

London Office

Head of BTR

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