Unite on track to hit grades

Student housing operator and investor Unite has seen rental growth of 1.3%, partially offset by a 2 basis point increase in property yields to 4.5% in the three months ended 31 March. The group said it expected to see further rental growth of 4-5% and 97-98% occupancy for the 2025/26 academic year.  Chief executive Joe Lister said: “Student numbers are expected to increase again for the 2025/26 academic year due to a growing UK 18-year-old population and improving trends in international student recruitment. Reservations have accelerated in recent weeks, in line with our expectations for a later leasing cycle, and are underpinned by nomination agreements from our university partners.  “We remain on track to deliver rental growth of 4-5% and occupancy of 97-98% for the 2025/26 academic year.”  In terms of occupancy, 2025/26 sales are at 75% of beds sold (2024/25: 84%), in line with expected later leasing cycle for the current year. Image © Unite Students