Summary:
- Australia’s student housing sector faces record demand driven by rising interstate and international enrolments, yet slow planning and delivery delays are pushing many students into the private rental market, intensifying housing shortages despite PBSA assets operating near full occupancy with strong rent growth.
- Cushman & Wakefield urges federal planning reform to recognise PBSA as a distinct use class, proposing a consistent national framework with priority development zones near universities and standardised approval processes to accelerate delivery and attract private investment.
- Investor interest in Australia’s PBSA sector is growing due to its income stability and ESG credentials, but high construction costs and regulatory complexity hinder supply expansion; streamlined national coordination is critical to meet demand and support both the education sector and broader housing market.
Original article:
