Investing in UK Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is proving to be a lucrative opportunity, according to the latest UK Student Housing Market Update from property consultancy Knight Frank. The report highlights a substantial increase in PBSA investment, with figures reaching £2.45 billion in the first half of 2024, a significant jump from the £1.1 billion invested during the same period in 2023. This surge is particularly notable with over £1.7 billion invested in the second quarter alone, marking the strongest quarter since 2022.
A major contributor to this investment boost was Mapletree's acquisition of the Cuscaden Peak Portfolio, which included UK assets valued at approximately £960 million. This acquisition underscores the strong interest and confidence investors have in the UK student accommodation market.
Regional Assets Leading the Way
Knight Frank's analysis shows a continuing trend of strong investment in regional assets. Since 2019, an average of £2.1 billion has been invested annually in regional PBSA, compared to £570 million per year in London. The lower investment turnover in London is attributed to a lack of supply rather than a lack of demand, suggesting a high potential for future opportunities in the capital.
Development Pipeline and Demand-Supply Imbalance
Despite the increase in investment, the development pipeline remains constrained. For the 2024/25 academic year, fewer than 17,500 new purpose-built student beds are expected, a modest 0.6% growth compared to the previous year and significantly below pre-pandemic averages. Currently, the total pipeline of student beds across the UK stands at approximately 160,000, with 22% under construction and an additional 49%, or 78,000 beds, having secured full planning permission.
A spokesperson for Knight Frank highlighted the sector's resilience and attractiveness, stating, "Robust investment in the first half of 2024 demonstrates the resilience and attractiveness of the UK student accommodation sector. Despite economic headwinds and pre-election market caution, investors recognize the compelling long-term value proposition of student accommodation, particularly in a market where demand continues to outstrip supply."
High Rental Growth
With student housing demand high in numerous locations and supply lagging, rental growth in the sector remains strong, averaging 7.6% across the UK in 2024. This persistent demand-supply imbalance offers investors the potential for continued high returns.
Opportunities for Investors
Over the past decade, only 258,000 new PBSA beds have been added, representing 35% of total stock. This means that 65% of existing PBSA supply was built before 2012, presenting both challenges and opportunities for investors. There is a growing market for prime stock with strong ESG credentials, creating a competitive investment environment. However, there are also opportunities to retrofit secondary PBSA stock, particularly in markets with the strongest supply-demand imbalances.
Positive Government Stance
Encouragingly, the government has acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the sector and has shown support by maintaining current visa structures, which is seen as a positive outcome for the market.
Investing in UK student accommodation remains a sound and profitable venture. The sector's resilience, combined with strong demand and limited supply, ensures that investors can look forward to robust returns in the years to come.