What the future holds for student housing investment

Investment in the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation sector is set to reach £53bn by the end of 2019. Meanwhile prime yields have now sharpened to some 4.5% across the UK.

With student numbers broadly predicted to rise, and demand for affordability and certain locations broadening alongside this, the case for investment in student housing is tempting more UK and global investors and developers. However, there is some disparity between key university cities, which looks set to widen.

To discuss how these factors will inform decision-making among the leading market players in the future, EG is joined in the studio with Gavin Eustace, head of residential development at Octopus Real Estate; Nick Hayes, group property director at Unite Students; Alex Pease, group investment director for Watkin Jones Group; and Jon Wakeford, group corporate affairs director at UPP.

This podcast was recorded on 2 July 2019.