- Record numbers of university applicants in 2014, growth of 3.4% on 2013 (UCAS)
- An estimated £2.4 billion invested in student accommodation market in 2014, according to figures as of November (CBRE)
- Luxury student accommodation provider, Collegiate, expanding portfolio with hugely successful takeover acquisition
Record University Applications Drive Demand
2014 was no doubt a standout year for the UK’s higher education sector. There were record numbers of university applicants, with UCAS recording figures of 512,400 being granted a place on a course, signifying a growth of 3.4% on 2013 figures and the first time that figures had ever broken the half a million mark.
Not seemingly put off by the increase in tuition fees (they can now be as much as £9,000 a year), more and more people are going to university and this, in turn, has meant a knock on effect on the accommodation sector within many university locations.
Graduation
Student Accommodation Market Investment Growth
The student housing market has seen a huge expansion in recent times, with CBRE figures revealing that almost £2.4 billion was invested in the market last year (according to figures as of November 2014). And it is only predicted that this trend will continue. CBRE are forecasting a positive 2015 for the sector, with more and more people recognising the benefits of buying into the student housing market, stating that there is now,“Widespread acceptance of student housing by all types of investor as a well-understood and mainstream asset class. The current investment flurry in student housing is set to continue into 2015… There has arguably never been a better time to bring student housing to the market.”
Collegiate’s Strategic Expansion in 2015
One company, doing just this is student property provider Collegiate, whose luxury accommodation offering is witnessing a period of great expansion as 2015 unfolds.
Collegiate already provides some of the very best student housing in university towns and cities up and down the UK, answering the problem of tired, run-down student properties with a quality solution. Properties are beautifully created and comfortable; modern living combines with ergonomically-designed work spaces to equal the very best quality of accommodation that this sector can offer.
Premium Features Enhance Student Living
Collegiate properties are also secure, incorporating features such as CCTV, 24-hour on-call support, and electronic entry systems, innovative, with fast broadband and contemporary work spaces to reflect students’ ambitions, and exciting, with amazing on-site facilities including private cinema rooms, gyms and reading rooms. With so much to offer, it is clear to see why Collegiate are rapidly expanding their portfolio in 2015, with more schemes becoming available through the company in more university locations around the country.
With 16 new residences this year, not just through creating their own properties in conjunction with trusted developers, Collegiate have also announced that they are bringing to market over half a dozen UK student schemes as part of a hugely successful takeover acquisition, proving not only that the sector is booming, but also that Collegiate have become the brand to trust at the luxury end of the market.
New Acquisitions and Key Developments
Schemes included in this exciting acquisition are Dean Clarke Lofts in Exeter, Algernon Firth in Leeds, McDonald Road taken over from Unite in Edinburgh, Liberty Fields taken over from Liberty Living in London, Claremont House in Glasgow, Allwyn Court in Cardiff, and others.
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate explains what has led to this much-anticipated period of expansion for the company,“There are great benefits of investing in a university education on all sides and Collegiate are at the forefront of this, with our expanding portfolio in 2015, proving this. As a leading provider of luxury student accommodation, we focus on high quality properties and, through ensuring that we employ the best professional management staff, are able to offer the very best living solutions to our students.
“Our residents want attention – they rightfully do not want to fall into the conveyor belt mentality surrounding some other student housing options – and expect us to focus on enhancing the student experience on both sides. This is precisely what we do and will continue to do in 2015 – it is going to be a great year!”
