Reflections from the Property Week Student Residential Conference 2024
Key insights
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Property Week Student Residential Conference at Wembley - a fantastic forum for industry leaders to explore the evolving trends shaping the future of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
The discussions were insightful, offering a clear snapshot of where the sector is heading as we approach 2025. Here are a few key takeaways:
1. Location remains king
Success in PBSA investments hinges on prime city-centre locations, close to universities, transport hubs, and vibrant local amenities. Developments that integrate seamlessly into their urban surroundings—not just geographically but culturally—are driving demand and ensuring strong occupancy rates. To retain those levels of convenience and a sense of belonging, avoiding secondary and tertiary locations was a key point made by many speakers and attendees.
2. Sustainability and ESG are non-negotiable
With Gen Z prioritising environmentally conscious living, sustainability is no longer a 'nice-to-have'—it's an imperative. The push for net-zero buildings and the adoption of renewable technologies and circular economy principles are driving innovation. PBSA developments must embody authentic, energy-efficient, and sustainable design to resonate with students and meet ESG commitments.
3. Well-being Is front and centre
As student demand for quality accommodation grows, the focus has shifted to creating spaces that prioritise mental health, inclusivity, and connection. Smart technologies, thoughtfully designed co-living areas, and community-building amenities are setting the bar for student well-being. The emphasis is no longer just on providing a place to live but fostering thriving communities.
4. Affordability remains a complex challenge
Balancing rising construction costs with the financial realities students face is one of the sector's biggest challenges. Innovative financing models and collaborative approaches will be essential to ensure affordability without compromising quality.
Looking Ahead
The conference was a timely reminder of the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving sector. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we can ensure that PBSA continues to meet the changing needs of students while delivering strong returns for investors.
I’d love to hear your perspectives—what trends are you seeing in the PBSA sector? Let’s keep the conversation going.
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