UK student accommodation to top 600,000 beds this year

Some 29,000 purpose-built student bedrooms are due to be completed in the UK by the start of the coming academic year – up by one-quarter on 2017/18. The pipeline will increase the overall capacity of purpose-built student accomodation to more than 600,000 students, according to research from Knight Frank. A majority of the pipeline (68%) will be delivered as cluster flats – spaces with shared kitchens and lounge areas – due to students seeking out value for money and lower rents than they would have in studio flats. Universities operate almost two-thirds of the current stock, but the private sector owns 38% of the stock universities operate. As a result, Knight Frank said there is an opportunity for further collaboration and investment from the private sector, particularly as universities look to improve or replace older stock.     To send feedback, e-mail karl.tomusk@egi.co.uk or tweet @karltomusk or @estatesgazette