Student Accommodation
Student accommodation sector ‘wakes-up’ to Brexit
Key players in the UK student accommodation sector came together at Property Week’s annual Student Accommodation Conference in December to gain an insight into what the future holds for the industry in the UK and also in Europe.
examined the challenges of delivering an attractive and welcoming higher education offering against the backdrop of what some see as a ‘hostile’ political and policy landscape. Next up, with an insightful student
‘W
housing market update, Philip Hillman, chairman – Alternatives at Jones Lang LaSalle, assessed the “massive investor appetite” in PBSA from across the globe – which saw a remarkable investment peak of £5.7bn in 2015 followed by (an also impressive) £3.25-3.5bn in 2016. He reminded delegates that the unsatisfied demand for UK university places was significantly higher than both total EU students and the forecast decline in UK
AKING-UP to Brexit’ provided the focal point for the opening panel discussion, which
18-19 population (set to fall 7% 2017-2021). Whilst government policy and the
status of overseas students may influence confidence going forward, the figures demonstrate that student housing is a good ‘defensive’ asset class - generating long-term steady income streams, and also that the PRS/ build to rent market offers strong growth prospects. Reflecting on the unexpected political events of 2016, Mr Hillman suggested that the UK was also well placed to benefit from the “Trump Effect” when students came to deciding where to study. Affordability remains a big issue for
universities, with the recognition that many students feel they are being priced out. Options such as the provision of ‘budget rooms’ and the regeneration of HMOs were explored by industry insiders
on the programme, along with the scope for partnerships for those with a mixed estate who were intending to take greater control of the ‘total’ student experience. Accommodation wasn’t the only concern
raised in the panel discussions, where other pressing challenges were foreseen for established institutions – not least the importance of maintaining standards and protecting the HE “brand” within the learning economy as the Government clears the way for new degree-awarding providers to enter the market (Challenger institutions, hee J/Aug 2016) · The Student Accommodation
Conference returns in December 2017 and will take place in Birmingham.
http://student.propertyweek.com highereducationestates 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33
