The conference opened with a keynote on “Government Missions vs Sector Realities,” highlighting the tension between short-term political horizons and the long-term planning needs of student accommodation. Speakers noted that skills policy has shifted under the Department for Work and Pensions, focusing on employment and social mobility rather than education alone. This change, coupled with the growth of lifelong learning, reskilling initiatives, and flexible education pathways, is reshaping the student demographic and their housing needs.

Universities are increasingly expected to consolidate, specialize, and partner with employers and supply chains, while government recognition of student accommodation as a strategic national asset presents a significant opportunity for the sector to reposition itself beyond traditional real estate investment.

A fireside chat on “The University Challenge” painted a sobering picture of financial fragility in higher education. With frozen tuition fees and rising costs, universities are under pressure to cut expenses, sometimes at the expense of the student experience. Increasing regulation and flawed metrics further complicate decision-making, raising the specter of systemic risk. Speakers stressed that sustainability, rather than short-term fixes, must now be the priority.

Presentations highlighted the importance of affordability, convenience, and service quality as the key drivers of student satisfaction. StudentCrowd introduced a new framework for objectively comparing accommodation assets using data on reviews, pricing, location, and peer performance. This approach enables investors and operators to identify unmet demand, optimal price points, and strategic opportunities for development and repurposing.

Panels examining the state of student housing emphasized growing market polarization, with some locations thriving while others face declining enrolments. Affordability has emerged as the sector’s defining challenge, as students increasingly opt for budget-friendly housing, commuter options, or shared accommodations. Rent growth is moderating, but high construction and finance costs continue to constrain development viability, particularly for mid-market products. Discussion on hybrid learning and changing attendance patterns underscored the need for flexible, community-driven accommodation that supports the full student experience. Long-term partnerships between universities and operators were highlighted as critical to future-proofing assets, while product diversity—ranging from social studios to transitional housing between PBSA and HMOs—will drive growth.

International students remain vital to UK universities’ finances and global standing. Shifts in source markets, immigration policy, and employability considerations influence demand, highlighting the need for strategic recruitment, pricing, and student support. Well-managed PBSA providers are well-positioned to capture growth, particularly with regulatory exemptions under the Renters Reform Bill that safeguard operational flexibility.

Investor panels reinforced PBSA’s resilience as an investment class, with demand expanding into mid-market and blended products. Strategic alignment with universities and a focus on long-term planning are essential for sustaining returns. Meanwhile, innovation in operations and design—leveraging AI, adaptive reuse, and integrated “learning ecosystems”—is transforming the student experience, emphasizing wellbeing, community, and public engagement.

Discussions on viability highlighted the influence of demographic shifts, planning processes, and building safety regulations on development. Investors and developers are exploring new approaches beyond traditional university partnerships, while refurbishment and ESG-compliant design are increasingly central to maintaining asset value and appeal.

The 2025 Student Accommodation Conference highlighted a sector at a pivotal moment. Rapidly evolving student demographics, shifting policy landscapes, affordability pressures, and technological innovation are redefining the market. Success for operators, investors, and universities will depend on flexibility, data-driven decision-making, and long-term strategic collaboration. Student accommodation is no longer just about providing beds—it is central to the student experience, shaping communities, wellbeing, and opportunity. The message was clear: a student-first approach, supported by innovative, adaptable, and sustainable housing, will define the future of the sector.