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UK: More than 2,000 student accommodation beds have been sold through HMO transactions across the UK in the past 12 months, according to YieldMe.
The agency said it had sold £170 million worth of HMO properties over the 12 month period, with the highest levels of activity in university cities such as Exeter, Bristol and Bath.
YieldMe said it recorded its busiest year for student HMO transactions, with many landlords making changes to their portfolios as the rental sector adapts to new regulations and rising operating costs.
The sales follow the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, which brought an end to most fixed-term tenancy contracts and introduced periodic tenancies. The law provides that tenants may terminate their tenancy in most cases by providing two months’ notice.
Speaking about the market, James Biddle, managing director of YieldMe, said: “There’s been a noticeable shift in landlord sentiment over the last 12 months, particularly following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.”
The findings come as institutional investors are further expanding their student housing presence. In 2025, Brookfield Asset Management bought a 1,300 home student HMO portfolio from Condor Properties, and Tokoro Capital and GCM Grosvenor formed a joint venture valued at £200 million to invest in student accommodation.
Despite shifting conditions for landlords, YieldMe says student housing market is active, especially in big university cities.
Highlights:
• YieldMe reported £170 million of student HMO sales during the past year, representing more than 2,000 student accommodation beds across the UK
• Activity was strongest in university cities including Exeter, Bristol and Bath, where student housing remains a significant part of the rental market
• Following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, YieldMe recorded its busiest year on record for student HMO transactions
• The Renters’ Rights Act replaced most fixed-term tenancy agreements with periodic tenancies, allowing tenants to end tenancies with two months’ notice
• Institutional investors continue to expand in the student housing sector, with Brookfield acquiring a 1,300-home portfolio and Tokoro Capital and GCM Grosvenor launching a £200 million venture
