Research and Publications

Research and Insight

Advancing Knowledge in Student Housing

For over 50 years, Unipol has worked to improve student housing through practical support, standards, advocacy and evidence-based research. We believe that better housing outcomes are built on a foundation of reliable data and a deep understanding of the student living experience.

We aim to generate and share trusted evidence that advances understanding of student housing with the aim of improving standards, practice and educational outcomes. We are committed to a student housing sector that is safe, sustainable, affordable and responsive to the needs of students.

Our research programme explores the issues that matter most to students, accommodation providers, universities, local authorities and policymakers. As an independent student housing charity, we combine frontline experience with sector-wide insight that is free from commercial bias.

The Accommodation Costs Survey

For more information about our long running series on student housing costs, click here

Our Research Interests

Our research focuses on the factors that shape students' housing experiences and the operation of student housing markets across the UK. Areas of particular interest include:

Student accommodation affordability and the cost of living
Housing demand, supply and market trends
Student residence patterns and changing housing preferences
The quality, management and regulation of student accommodation
Safety, wellbeing and the student living environment
The impact of housing on educational outcomes and the wider student experience
Sustainability and the future of student accommodation
The role of purpose-built and private rented student housing within local communities

Through research, data analysis, surveys and partnerships, we seek to generate evidence that supports better outcomes for students and helps organisations make informed decisions about housing provision and policy.

Why We Undertake Research

Research has always been central to Unipol's mission. We are committed to being a trusted and impartial source of expertise within the student housing sector. By gathering and sharing evidence, we help ensure that debate, investment and policy development are informed by the realities of student life and housing markets.

Our research supports the charitable objectives of Unipol by advancing understanding of student accommodation and helping to foster excellence, innovation and expertise across the sector. We use the findings from our work to support students, influence policy, inform standards, improve housing services and encourage continuous improvement among accommodation providers.

Working in Partnership

Many of the challenges facing student housing are complex and require collaboration across the sector. We therefore work with universities, students' unions, policymakers, sector bodies, researchers and accommodation providers to develop research that is relevant, independent and impactful.

By sharing knowledge and evidence, we aim to contribute to a student housing sector that delivers value, promotes wellbeing, supports educational success and meets the evolving needs of future generations of students.

We welcome contact from organisations with similar interests. Please email Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed on v.tolmie-loverseed@unipol.org.uk

Previous Reports can be found below:

Student House Hunting Behaviour Survey
Date of Publication: September 2025

Priced Out? The Accommodation Costs Survey 2024: London Edition
Date of publication: December 2024

Leeds: Assessment of the Student Housing Market
Date of publication: February 2024

The Ten Cities Rent Report 2023 (in partnership with the Higher Education Policy Institute)

The Accommodation Costs Survey 2021 (in partnership with the National Union of Students)
Date of publication: December 2021

Student Accommodation: The Facts (Authors - Martin Blakey, Chief Executive, Unipol Student Homes and Sarah Jones, consultant. Published by the Higher Education Policy Institute)
Date Published: August 2020

Student Wellbeing in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (Published by the British Property Federation with support from Unipol)
Date published: June 2019

Accommodation Costs Survey 2018 (In partnership with the National Union of Students)
Date Published: December 2018

Accommodation Costs Survey 2014 - 2016 (In partnership with the National Union of Students)
Date Published: December 2015

Assessment of the Student Residence Patterns and the Implications for Future Demand for Student Accommodation and Local Housing Markets in Bradford
Date Published: November 2014

Assessment of Housing Market Conditions and Student Residence Patterns in Nottingham
Date published: 2013

The ANUK/LGA Landlord Handbook
Hard copies of the Handbook can also be purchased via Unipol Training
Date Published: July 2012

Assessment of Housing Market Conditions and Demand Trends in Inner North West Leeds
Date Published: August 2012