Student accommodation

All the latest news and insight from the student housing sector including purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development.
Ciaran NervalGot a PBSA sector story for us? Contact senior reporter Ciaran Nerval:  ciaran.nerval​@emap.com

Latest Student Accommodation news

Limelight-picture-2-300x200.webp

Harbert buys 535-bed Liverpool PBSA asset from Blacklight

The Limelight scheme comprises 535 student beds arranged across a mix of studios and cluster apartments and amenities include a gym and a cinema.

Get-Living-Elephant-aerial-image-300x200.webp

Final phase of Get Living’s £1.5bn Elephant and Castle scheme approved

The West Site phase of the south London regeneration scheme will include 507 BTR homes, student accommodation, a cultural venue and new public square.

Arada-and-Shaw-bag-46m-to-support-Southwark-resi-scheme-300x200.webp

L&G buys affordable homes at Arada and Shaw’s Southwark scheme

The 200 affordable homes are part of the developers' Devonshire Place scheme in south London, which also includes 941 student beds.

Female-students-in-PBSA-room-shutterstock_479009941-1-300x200.webp

Affordability is new study focus in the PBSA market

The purpose-built student accommodation sector is seeking ways to make affordable schemes for those struggling to pay fees stack up, while providing a good-quality student experience.

Students_credit_shutterstock_Monkey-Business-Images_1495610321-300x200.webp

Anna Armstrong and Danielle Coglin of Howard Kennedy on why contract type is key for PBSA future

The right agreement can help accommodation providers balance financial viability with operational demands.

Verender Badial, ME Asset Management

ME Asset Management launches platform targeting assets affected by building safety challenges

Chief executive Verender Badial says it is "able to unlock value in assets where others see risk and uncertainty".

Students-walking-on-campus-shutterstock_2347683935-Prostock-studio-300x200.webp

Fusion Students MD Laura Kurt on why PBSA must step beyond buildings

By partnering with universities, PBSA providers can improve student experience and protect sector’s future.

CGI of Manners Hotspur Press regeneration, Manchester

Manner’s Hotspur Press plans move ahead after ‘devastating’ fire

The developer has received planning permission for its redrafted plans for the historic mill in Manchester, after most of the building was destroyed in a fire last June.

shutterstock_2494767339_Ssisabal-scaled-e1773152832122-300x200.webp

Southampton’s University residential challenge

Southampton’s growing student population is driving up demand for new residential development in the city.

Bedroom-Delux-300x200.webp

MCR Property wins £32.7m Atelier loan against Kent PBSA scheme

MCR Property Group has secured a £32.7m loan from Atelier to refinance…

The Store House, Leeds

Outpost launches BlackRock-backed PBSA platform with Leeds site

Under the Enclave: Student platform, Outpost will be responsible for the operation strategy, leasing and day-to-day management of assets, including The Store House in central Leeds.

Northumbria University campus - pic: Larry McGuirk / Shutterstock

The student market faces a degree of doubt from investor sceptics

With high costs deterring some would-be students and universities facing financial difficulties, some investors believe the PBSA market may have peaked.

Unite Students accommodation at Grand Central in Liverpool

Unite mulls exit from BTR sector through Stratford scheme disposal

The student accommodation firm entered the market in 2022 with the purchase of the east London scheme, but is “not planning to grow in the BTR space”.

10 Leake Street

HB Reavis wins consent for first PBSA scheme in Waterloo

The developer will redevelop a London office building to provide 233 student beds, a study lounge, shared dining area, fitness studio and rooftop terrace.

pw260719_studentaccommodation_shutterstock_707472274_credjax10289_225622-300x200.jpg

PBSA sector feels the squeeze

Unite Group was at pains to point out this week that the ‘profits plummet’ headlines that followed its 2025 results announcement were not truly representative of the company’s performance.

Unite Group CEO Joe Lister

Unite posts 78% profit plunge after portfolio revaluation, forecasts weaker 2026 demand

The group said the drop in profits reflected a £73.7m revaluation loss, compared to a £239.6m gain in 2024.

CGI of Telford Living's Bethnal Green PBSA scheme, east London

Telford Living lodges plans for 520-bed east London PBSA scheme

Designed by AHMM Architects, the scheme will include a mix of cluster and studio rooms.

CGI of Kelvin Properties, Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow

Kelvin Properties wins £18.8m loan for Glasgow student scheme

The loan from Bank of Scotland will fund the development of a 134-studio student accommodation scheme in Glasgow's West End.

Students doing homework

MCR Property Group launches £360m Flow Student platform

The platform currently owns and operates around 6,000 student beds and the group has set out ambitions to own 15,000 beds by the end of the year.

CGI of YourTRIBE's Watkin Road PBSA scheme, Wembley

YourTRIBE secures £116.6m Maslow loan for Wembley PBSA scheme

The loan is the second financing Maslow has arranged for YourTRIBE, following a £114m deal to fund schemes in Walthamstow and Greenwich.

Related markets