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TL, DR: shifting priorities and preferences of students in 2024 As we look ahead to 2024, the student housing market is evolving rapidly. Here are the key trends shaping the future: 📈 Investments on the Rise Student housing is attracting more investments, signaling strong growth and potential in this sector. 🏘️ Preference for Off-Campus Housing Students are increasingly opting for off-campus living, seeking independence and a more personal living environment. 🏢 Modern Amenities & Facilities There is a greater desire for housing that offers state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, enhancing the student living experience. 🏠 Single-Occupancy Units in Demand Single-occupancy units are highly sought after, reflecting a preference for privacy and personal space. 🌿 Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives Sustainable and eco-friendly housing options are in high demand as students prioritize environmental responsibility. 🔒 Enhanced Safety & Security Enhanced safety and security measures are becoming a top priority, ensuring peace of mind for students and their families. 📜 Flexible Leasing Options Flexible leasing options are gaining popularity, providing students with more adaptable and convenient housing solutions. 🤝 Co-Living & Community-Focused Spaces Co-living and community-focused spaces are preferred, promoting a sense of belonging and community among students. These trends highlight the shifting priorities and preferences of students in 2024, offering valuable insights for developers, investors, and educational institutions. #StudentHousing #2024Trends #RealEstate #Sustainability #StudentLife #CoLiving #Investments #ModernLiving AppFolio Brittany Benz https://lnkd.in/gQdZCYxm

How Student Preferences Are Changing in the Housing Market. The student housing market is evolving rapidly, and it's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends to meet the needs of today’s students. Here’s what we’re seeing at Galaxy Student Housing: Focus on Wellness 🧘♂️ Students are prioritizing their mental and physical health more than ever. They're looking for housing options that offer wellness amenities such as fitness centers, yoga studios, and quiet study areas. Tech-Savvy Living 📱 With the increasing reliance on technology for both academics and entertainment, high-speed internet and smart home features are now top priorities for students. Community and Social Interaction 🌐 While privacy is important, students also value community. Properties that offer social spaces, events, and opportunities for interaction are becoming more popular. Sustainability 🌱 Eco-conscious students are seeking housing that aligns with their values. Green living initiatives, energy-efficient appliances, and recycling programs are highly desired features. Flexible Leasing Options 📅 The traditional 12-month lease is becoming less attractive. Students are looking for flexible lease terms that can accommodate their academic schedules, internships, and study abroad programs. Safety and Security 🔒 Safety remains a top concern. Gated communities, secure access, and 24/7 surveillance are increasingly sought after to provide peace of mind. Proximity to Campus and Urban Amenities 🏙️ Convenient location is key. Properties close to campus, public transportation, restaurants, and entertainment hubs are in high demand. At Galaxy Student Housing, we’re committed to understanding and adapting to these changing preferences to provide the best living experience for our residents. 🌟 What changes have you noticed in the student housing market? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬 #StudentHousing #HousingMarket #StudentLife #RealEstateTrends #GalaxyStudentHousing

The student housing market has seen a remarkable recovery since the uncertainty of the pandemic, which led many to question its future with the rise of remote learning. Despite those concerns, the sector has rebounded strongly, and the current market tells a different story. Reflecting on the past few years, the pandemic initially caused a decline in enrollment and made many investors cautious. However, smart investors who saw the potential during the downturn have been rewarded, as enrollment has increased significantly, and students have shown they prefer in-person learning and campus experiences over online classes. The traditional college experience is still alive and well. Comparing this to the broader apartment market, the difference is clear. While rents in conventional multifamily properties are largely flat, student housing is seeing strong rent growth, with an expected 6-8% increase for the 2025 academic year. That being said, the market isn’t uniform. There is a noticeable divide between properties near top-tier universities and those near smaller schools. While major universities continue to see impressive performance, smaller schools with enrollments under 20,000 students are not experiencing the same level of growth. For those looking to invest in student housing, the advice is simple: partner with experienced sponsors who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within this space. #StudentHousing #RealEstateInvestment #MarketInsights #PropertyInvestment

New research from our StuRents Student Accommodation Annual Report 2024 reveals a major shift in the student housing landscape: Build-to-Rent (BTR) is now a serious competitor in the market. In cities like Leeds, up to 40% of BTR units are occupied by students, offering them flexible contracts, larger living spaces, and amenities comparable to PBSA - but often at a better price point. For PBSA and HMO operators, this increased competition highlights the need to adapt strategies to fill beds. With rental affordability becoming a critical factor, here’s what you need to know: 💷 Affordability Crisis: With blended average rents at £150 pppw, students’ disposable income is under pressure. How are you adjusting to remain competitive? 📈 Demand Dynamics: Leeds alone has seen BTR supply grow by 15,000 units since 2017, outpacing student population growth of 12,000. Are you factoring BTR into your market assessments? 🫰 Evolving Expectations: Students are prioritising value for money. Flexibility and space are key drivers. Is your offering meeting their needs? 💡 “For PBSA investors, traditional methods of assessing demand are no longer enough. The Leeds example shows the need for diversified pricing and strategies to address rising competition and evolving student needs.” – Richard Ward, Head of Research The BTR trend is reshaping the student accommodation sector. To stay ahead, it’s crucial to evaluate how your portfolio addresses affordability and evolving student preferences. Thanks to Bea Patel at BTR News for featuring our annual report data in your publication! #StudentAccommodation #PBSA #BTR #StudentHousing #HMO

The build-to-rent (BTR) sector is reshaping the student accommodation market. According to our Student Accommodation Annual Report 2024, in key cities like Leeds, up to 40% of BTR units are now occupied by students. This marks a significant shift, signalling that BTR is emerging as a competitive alternative to traditional PBSA and HMO housing. Key Findings: 🏢 BTR provides larger living spaces, flexible contracts, and affordability – making it an attractive option for students navigating rising rental costs. 📈 In Leeds, while PBSA supply increased by 7,000 beds between 2017 and 2024, BTR added another 8,000 units to the mix, exceeding the student population growth of 12,000 over the same period. 💷 Competition is intensifying, particularly for more affluent students, who are traditionally the core demographic for high-end PBSA. What does this mean for the sector? - For operators: Traditional demand metrics aren’t enough. Diversified pricing strategies and understanding competition from BTR are now critical. - For investors: The interplay between PBSA and BTR presents opportunities to rethink market positioning and address evolving student needs. Explore the full findings in our annual report, download here: https://lnkd.in/enwmTM8V Thanks to Bea Patel from BTR News for covering our report. #StudentAccommodation #BuildToRent #PBSA #StudentHousing #HigherEducation

Catella supports the The Class Foundation´s Student Living Monitor 2024: Key Insights into the Future of Student Accommodation The Class Foundation's 2024 Student Living Monitor survey highlights the crucial role living conditions play in shaping student well-being and success. Drawing on insights from nearly 11,000 students across Europe, the report explores how factors like housing preferences, financial difficulties and loneliness affect student life. ➡ Key findings include:   ▪ Most Impactful Spaces and Services: Well-designed communal areas, organised events and outdoor areas contribute significantly to the improvement of student living and reduce loneliness ▪ Accommodation Type Impacts Student Happiness: Students who secure their first-choice accommodation report higher well-being compared to those who do not ▪ Financial Strain and Student Experience: 66% of students struggle financially, impacting both their living experience and academic success. ▪ Supporting Non-Traditional Students: It is important to seek professional advice and make decisions on a case-by-case basis to ensure that these students are well supported ▪ Enhancing Mental Health Support: Expanding and professionalising mental health services is crucial to improving student well-being   The 2024 report highlights significant strides made by student housing sector in enhancing the living experiences, offering valuable insights for investors, developers, universities, housing operators, and policymakers on what aspects of accommodation have the most impact on students. The report serves as a roadmap for optimising student accommodation and ensuring no student is left behind. The student living sector has come a long way, but there is opportunity to do more. “Our findings make it clear: student happiness is deeply connected to where and how they live,” says Kelly-anne Watson, Managing Director of The Class Foundation. “This report is a call to action for us all to build environments that do more than just house students, but actively contribute to giving them a positive experience, make them feel like they supported and are part of a community, thus leading to their overall success.” “At Catella, we're dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable spaces that foster student success and well-being. We are proud to support the Student Living Monitor research as it resonates with our mission, emphasizing the crucial interplay between quality housing and the flourishing of Europe's young minds”, says Dr. Lars Vandrei, Senior Research Manager at Catella. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ei4QVKZ9 #StudentLivingMonitor #Catella #StudentHousing #RealEstate #Sustainability #MentalHealth #StudentWellbeing

How Fly Homes Changing the Game for Student Housing? Fly Homes by Leverage Edu, launched in 2022, was designed to address the unique housing needs of students, a group often challenged by high rental costs and scarce accommodation near educational institutions. Here are some streamlined insights into how Fly Homes is enhancing the student housing experience: 👨💻 Technological Innovation: Fly Homes utilizes advanced technology to streamline the housing process, offering features like virtual tours. This simplifies the search and leasing processes, making it more efficient for students to find suitable housing quickly. 💸 Affordability and Flexibility: The platform provides affordable housing options tailored to student budgets, including shared accommodations and leases that align with academic terms. This flexibility helps students manage their expenses without compromising on proximity or quality. 📈 Enhanced Student Life: By reducing the complexity and stress of securing housing, Fly Homes allows students to focus more on their studies and less on logistical challenges. The reliability and convenience of the service improve overall student well-being and academic performance. 🤝 Expansion and Inclusivity: Fly Homes plans to expand its reach, aiming to serve more students across various regions, including international students, thereby fostering a more inclusive academic community. Fly Homes is making a noticeable difference in the student housing market by providing solutions that are not only practical but also conducive to academic success.

I just finished reading an article on Student Housing Business about how enrollment growth is driving the demand for public-private partnership (P3) developments in student housing. Having worked on projects that balance the needs of students, universities, and private developers, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful these partnerships can be. They’re not just about building housing—they’re about creating vibrant, supportive communities that help students thrive academically and socially. This article is an excellent reminder of the potential P3s have to shape the future of campus life. If you’re curious about the trends driving these developments, take a look: Enrollment Growth Drives Demand for Public-Private Partnership Developments.

🛏 Why Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is catching the eye of astute investors? 🏢   According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Alternatives Outlook 2024 Report, the Australian Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector is emerging as a lucrative investment opportunity, drawing attention from both domestic and international investors. This privately managed, off-campus student housing market, valued at approximately AUD 20 billion, offers a compelling blend of strong yields and operational product access.   2023 saw heightened investor interest in PBSA, driven by attractive yield spreads and direct operational involvement. A landmark transaction was Blackstone's acquisition of Student One, signalling the sector's appeal to major offshore institutions.   PBSA's resilience is evident in its record-high rental rates, with further growth projected for 2024 and 2025. Despite some yield decompression, robust operational performance has maintained strong capital values.   Recent government announcements to reduce student visa approvals are unlikely to significantly impact the PBSA sector. The focus on scrutinizing private education providers rather than major universities – the primary PBSA occupants – has been largely supported by industry bodies and universities alike.   As we move into 2024, PBSA is poised to remain a highly favoured alternative market. With solid fundamentals and continuing tailwinds, it presents an attractive proposition for investors seeking diversification and strong returns in the Australian real estate market. https://lnkd.in/gRb94nY4

Student Housing: The Surprising Success Story Willy Walker's presentation at The Scion Group's recent company summit was not only highly enjoyable but also insightful. His discussion shed light on the latest trends in the student housing sector, as highlighted in Walker and Dunlop's latest study. Despite challenges in the traditional multifamily market, student housing is thriving, even in markets with ample supply. According to the study, top universities average 1.34 students for every bed, signaling a shortage and justifying premium pricing. What's driving this trend? Major universities are experiencing enrollment growth, leading to strong rent increases over the past three years. Surprisingly, even at universities where supply exceeds demand, like the University of Florida, rents have continued to climb. Despite the sector's resilience, it's not immune to macroeconomic factors. Transaction volume has declined, but the sector's ability to adapt and thrive is remarkable. Unlock the full story: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/gwyGpTdv) Let's dive into the fascinating world of student housing and explore the opportunities it presents with Walker and Dunlop's insights! This firm constantly has its finger on the pulse. Is student housing sustainable? Where will it be if enrollments drop drastically in the future? Uncertain, but projections are showing promise.