2023-04-26-莱坊-Knight_Frank_UCAS_Student_Accommodation_Survey_Report_2023_10页_859kb

Key Findings & Summary

1. Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

   • Demand for PBSA increased due to student population growth (+4% YoY) and concerns about affordability.
   • 89% of students expressed preference for PBSA over private rented accommodation (PRS) due to higher quality, amenities, and professional management.
   • Trends: Price premiums for quality housing increased despite rising inflation; willingness to pay for better WiFi, larger bedrooms, and on-site facilities.

2. Pricing & Affordability

   • Cost overtakes value for money as the most important factor for students choosing accommodation.
   • Average rent for private PBSA rose to £7,865 (YoY increase £670), while university halls remain relatively stable.
   • Students increasingly value “all-inclusive” pricing packages with bundled bills; parental involvement (58%) influences housing decisions, especially for price-sensitive first-year students.

3. Values & Wellbeing

   • Students prioritize cleanliness, location, and accessible services (gym, laundry, security) over traditional “amenity-space” metrics.
   • Social belonging (46%) and ESG factors (e.g., energy efficiency, inclusivity) gain significance; 61% consider brand reputation linked to sustainability commitments.

4. Migration & Retention

   • Graduate retention rates vary by region (e.g., London 64%, Manchester 44%), influenced by affordability and job access.
   • Co-living/BTR models emerge as a panacea for bridging funding gaps and improving retention, particularly in Northern universities.
   • Example: University hubs in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds offer incentives for graduates transitioning into the rental market.

5. Brand Impact

   • Student reviews and word-of-mouth (71% consult them) are critical for PBSA discovery. Features like flexible tenancies and 24-hour support increase loyalty by 81%.

6. Market Trends

   • Incentive-driven enrollment post-COVID rose, with incentives securing 47% of first-year PBSA choices.
   • Digital integration in PBSA enhances community bonding, offering potential for hybrid remote/classroom models ("enhancing face-to-face learning").

7. Recommendations for Providers

   • Affordability Focus: Offer subsidized options or discounts for nearby amenities.
   • ESG-Driven Upgrades: Improve energy efficiency/leverage sustainability certifications (carbon neutral buildings).
   • Pricing Strategy: Bundle services (e.g., free bike hire) to counter cost pressure.
   • Digital Integration: Roll out community spaces/tutoring hubs to boost satisfaction scores, especially in areas where students score low in “value for money.”
   • Monitor Regional Disparities:** Prioritize underserved regions via BTR/Co-living to retain talent during levelling-up policies.

Conclusions
The 2023 survey signals a dual shift: experience-led PBSA is displacing traditional housing, with sustainability and social design becoming key USPs, while affordability remains the top hurdle. Student accommodation now competes on brand/lifestyle, closely aligning with post-university expectations and regional economic conditions.