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UK: A recent national survey by student housing charity Unipol has highlighted growing concerns about affordability in the student accommodation sector.
The House Hunting Behaviour Survey, which gathered responses from more than 2,600 students across 37 universities, found that rising rents continue to pose a significant challenge for students seeking suitable housing.
The survey revealed that 76 per cent of students had prioritised affordability when searching for accommodation.
However, almost two-thirds reported difficulty finding options within their budget, and students were paying an average of £36 per week more than anticipated.
Parental contributions averaged £506 per month, yet 57 per cent of students still relied on part-time work – typically 15 hours per week – to cover expenses.
Geographically, the survey indicated severe shortages of affordable student housing in cities such as York, Bristol, and Oxford, while Leeds and Birmingham fared comparatively better.
More than half of respondents (56 per cent) said the early timing of housing searches, often in October or November, added stress just weeks after starting university.
The survey also highlighted limited awareness of the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB), which is intended to reform the private rented sector. 62 per cent of students had not heard of the Bill.
Unipol cautioned that the legislation could unintentionally reduce the student housing supply by making it harder for landlords to operate Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which currently accommodate almost half of returning students. Evidence from Scotland suggests that similar reforms had previously reduced supply and driven up rents.
Sam Bailey-Watts, CEO of Unipol, said: “Students are telling us loud and clear that they want affordable, shared housing close to campus. Rising rents and a contraction in available rooms put this at risk. Protecting HMOs and increasing affordable options must go hand in hand with clear guidance for students.”
Simon Thompson, CEO of Accommodation for Students, said: “Affordable housing must remain central to ensuring higher education is accessible and inclusive. This research underscores the real challenges students face and highlights the need for collaboration across the sector to protect and expand affordable accommodation.”
The survey provides fresh evidence of the affordability crisis in student housing and underscores the importance of targeted policies and market interventions to support student access to safe, affordable housing.
Highlights:
• Unipol has surveyed over 2,600 students across 37 universities to assess housing concerns.
• The survey found that 76 per cent of students had prioritised affordability when house-hunting.
• Almost two-thirds of students have struggled to find accommodation within their budget.
• Students pay an average of £36 per week more than planned to secure housing.
