Student Housing Market Report Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (PBSA, Private Rented Sector, University Accommodation and Others), By Application (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 5th Year or Later, Graduate Student and Others), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2026 To 2035

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STUDENT HOUSING MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

The global student housing market size is projected at USD 14.01 Billion in 2026 and is expected to hit USD 21.64 Billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 4.95% during the forecast from 2026 to 2035.

Student housing is a type of lodging available to university or college students as an alternative to on-campus housing. The housing typically found close to a college campus or in areas of a city that are recognised for having affordable accommodation. There is a common misconception that homes offering student accommodation are either in disrepair, are overcrowded, or are lavish and beyond of reach for most families. The housing can be anything the investor wants it to be, but the main feature that sets it apart from other types of housing is that it is expressly designed for and marketed to students.

Any study destination's ability to provide affordable, high-quality student accommodation is a crucial factor. For both local and international students, a lack of affordable accommodation drives up living expenses. In addition to having an impact on student experience quality and destination competitiveness, this situation can also negatively affect budgeting. In addition, the demand for housing is a key sign of the general interest of students in a location.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Post-Pandemic Lifted Lockdown Led In Upsurge Of The Market Demand

Due to the adoption of housing for students by the education sector to improve efficiency, transparency, security, and safety, it is predicted that the COVID-19 epidemic will increase the student housing market share. Universities are implementing Student housing learning systems to assure student accessibility to education in order to maintain the continuity of school, colleges and institutions. As a result, it is projected that throughout the forecast period, there will be considerable prospects for the expansion of the worldwide student housing market growth.

LATEST TRENDS

Profitable Returns Opportunity for the Investors to Boost the Market Share

Student housing is a market that caters to everyone who wants to avoid the dorm living experience, which is ideal for anyone with the financial resources to invest in student apartments. In comparison to ordinary property markets, the student housing market always has a steady flow of tenants looking for someplace to live during the school year and even into the summer months. This means that as an investor, there is always a lease available. Renting out a flat with the correct amenities to students can be quite rewarding. This is an excellent opportunity for investors because it is a fledgling market with significant scalability, allowing for larger yields than traditional assets.

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STUDENT HOUSING MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the market is classified into PBSA, private rented sector, university accommodation and other.

• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) dominates the market with 45% of sales, or approximately USD 5.73 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.2%, growth factor rising demand for secure, fully serviced accommodation close to campus.

• Private Rented Sector is approximately 30% of market, or approximately USD 3.82 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.6%, growth factor affordability and rising flexibility for students choosing to live off campus.

• University Accommodation is 20% of market, or approximately USD 2.54 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.4%, growth factor convenience proximity to campus and increased funding towards university-managed accommodation.

• Other is 5%, or USD 0.63 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.1%, growth factor increased popularity for co-living spaces and hybrid accommodation models.

By Application

Based on application, the market is classified into freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, 5th year or later, graduate student and others.

• Freshman: Typically 25% of the student population. Freshmen are new to the academic environment, adjusting to college life, often between the ages of 18-19 in university settings. This group represents the largest segment as they enter with no prior college experience.

• Sophomore:  Around 25% of students. Sophomores are in their second year, refining their academic interests and exploring more specialized subjects. They typically range in age from 19-20. Students in this year are more acclimated to the school but still have a lot of exploration ahead.

• Junior: Usually 20% of students. Juniors, ages 20-21, begin to focus more heavily on their chosen major or field of study. They often seek internships and engage more in career planning, marking a time for deeper academic commitment.

• Senior: Approximately 20% of the student body. Seniors, aged 21-22, are near the completion of their degree programs. They are working on finalizing their coursework, applying for jobs, and preparing for life after graduation.

• 5th Year or Later: About 5-10% of the student body. Students in their fifth year or later might be pursuing a double major, taking time off, or facing challenges that delayed their graduation. These students might be pursuing specialized programs or extended courses of study.

• Graduate Student: Typically 5-10% of the total student population. Graduate students are pursuing advanced degrees like master's or doctoral programs. They can range in age but are often 22 and older, focusing on a specific area of study and sometimes engaging in research or teaching assistant roles.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Student Population to Inflate the market Share

Due to the growing student population that moves to other places for academic reasons, student housing has a lot of promise. There is a high need for student housing in a few states due to the growing number of migrant students, yet campus facilities at educational institutions are inadequate to meet this demand. Developers have a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of this market opportunity and provide facilities in line with the evolving needs of the students because the government has set a GER target of 30% by 2035.

Spending Appetite Towards a Better Standard of Living to Strengthen the Market Structure 

Although there is a perception that students dine out more frequently than they prepare their own meals, having the room and the right tools can be enticing as most university dorms do not provide such a luxury. There is no doubting the desire for international students who want to pursue an education abroad, and as a result, they can be a wonderful fit for your property. Nevertheless, whether you provide furnished or unfurnished housing could be a deal-breaker for certain students. This may be due to the fact that they lack the resources or means to furnish their home and choose to live in a place that already has everything they require.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Certain Security and Trust Issues can Hamper the Market Demand

Quality and trust difficulties are the top challenges that both landlords and tenants confront as the rental housing sector remains unorganised and opaque. Given that female students account for more than 47% of overall student enrolment in India, it is critical that student housing accommodations meet the criteria for safety, security, and predictability of service. However, the restraining factor safety, quality and trust issues is projected to limit the student housing market growth in the forecasted period.

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STUDENT HOUSING MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North American Region Gauge for the Huge Revenue Share in the Market

Due to the growing need for educational institutions in the region, North America is predicted to dominate the market for student housing globally. American university and college students are accustomed to using housing for students and rentals to advance their knowledge and skills by studying without any disturbances Universities and colleges in the area are employing the housing for students to let the immigrants and the in-house students stay near the campus, making academic campus accessible and secure for everyone. Increased student enrollments, better campus amenities, and strong demand for PBSA are the main drivers of growth in North America, which accounts for 35% of the market size and is expected to reach USD 4.45 billion in 2024 with a CAGR of 4.8%.

Due to the growing number of students who move around the world for their education, student accommodation has a lot of promise. The campus facilities at educational institutions are unable to meet the demand in housing for students due to the increased number of migrant students in a few states. The North American region offers enormous potential for developers to take advantage of this opportunity and create facilities in accordance with the shifting needs of the students, with the government targeting a GER of 30% by forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Notable Players contributing towards the market

The housing solution providers are putting their development plans into action to increase their market presence and secure a larger market share for the students. In order to increase their presence in the global market, providers of students apartment in edutech solutions have implemented significant growth strategies, including product launches, partnerships & acquisitions, and the creation of regional and global distribution networks.

List of Top Student Housing Companies

• Harrison Street (U.S.A)
• The Preiss Company (U.S.A)
• Greystar (U.S.A)
• The Scion Group (U.S.A)
• Asset Living (U.S.A)
• The Collier Companies (U.S.A)
• American Campus Communities (U.S.A).

REPORT COVERAGE

The report is an analysis of all market aspects for the forecast period. It also shows the evaluation of opportunities, trends, market share, product innovations, technology innovations, driving factors, restraints and others that contribute towards the market growth. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the student housing market over the forecast period, focusing on key aspects such as growth opportunities, emerging trends, and innovations in products and technology. It evaluates the market share held by key players, identifies driving factors such as increasing student populations and rising tuition fees, and examines restraints like high construction costs and regulatory challenges. Additionally, the report delves into technological innovations like smart dorms and online booking platforms, while also addressing external factors like government policies and demographic shifts that influence market growth. This analysis helps stakeholders understand the dynamics shaping the market and plan for future opportunities and challenges.