The results from Unipol’s national House Hunting Behaviour Survey, based on responses from more than 2,600 students across 37 universities, provides fresh evidence of the affordability crisis in student housing and highlights the risks posed by the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB).
Sam Bailey-Watts, CEO of Unipol, said:
“Students are telling us loud and clear that they want affordable, shared housing close to campus, however rising rents and a contraction in the number of rooms that meet this demand, puts this at risk. Protecting HMOs, understanding what affordable means and increasing these options are solutions in tandem with giving students clearer guidance. It's incumbent on all of us to work together to keep universities accessible to all."
Key findings from the survey show:
- 76% of students put affordability first when house-hunting – but almost two-thirds said they had struggled to find anything within budget.
- Students are paying £36 a week more than planned, on average, to secure accommodation.
- Parental contributions average £506 per month, yet 57% still need part-time jobs, typically 15 hours per week, to make ends meet.
- Severe shortages reported in York, Bristol and Oxford; Leeds and Birmingham fared better.
- The housing search is “far too early” – 56% say being pushed to choose in October/November adds stress just weeks after starting university.
- Awareness of the RRB is very low – 62% of students have not heard of it.
The Bill, set to overhaul the private rented sector, may unintentionally shrink the student housing market by making it harder for landlords to operate HMOs – which currently house almost half of returning students. Evidence from Scotland shows similar reforms reduced supply and drove up rents.
Simon Thompson, CEO of Accommodation for Students added,
'Affordable housing must remain central to ensuring higher education in the UK is both accessible and inclusive. This research highlights the real challenges students face and calls on all of us in the sector to work together to protect and expand the diversity and affordability of student accommodation.'
Please note:
You can access the full survey here.
Register for our webinar on Monday 8 September here.