-‎Wire-

Landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) sold off at least 2,000 student accommodation beds across the UK in the last 12 months ahead of the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Hong Kong faces a growing student accommodation shortfall, projected to reach 147,200 beds by the 2029/30 academic year, more than doubling from 76,300 beds in 2025/26, while current PBSA supply remains limited with only 6,900 beds as of April and 16,300 beds in the pipeline.

GMI Construction has completed a £17 million student accommodation project on Foss Islands Road, York, delivering 133 beds across studios and apartments for Urbium Capital and Gregory Property Group, including study areas, gym facilities, and social spaces.

Greystar has acquired a 1,200-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio across the UK, marking a significant expansion of its footprint in the student housing sector.

Elkstone has completed Queen Street Place, a 345-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Galway city centre, operated by UK-based platform Mezzino, addressing a critical shortage of student housing in the region.

The Icelandic parliament has enacted stricter regulations for foreign students, introducing mandatory academic progress reports and shortening post-graduation work permits to curb visa misuse.

Watkin Jones PLC’s Refresh segment has been appointed by Aprirose Ltd to refurbish Central Studios, a 141-studio PBSA asset in Reading, focusing on soft refurbishments and reconfiguring amenity and reception spaces to improve functionality and appeal.

GMI Construction has completed the Foss Islands Road PBSA development in York, delivering 133 student beds ahead of the 2026/27 academic year under a £17 million contract for Urbium Capital and Gregory Property Group.

ID Logistics has expanded its partnership with PepsiCo by opening a new 15,000 sqm logistics facility in Tyniec Mały near Wrocław, enhancing distribution capabilities for the German market alongside two existing centres totaling 81,000 sqm.

Lee McLean will become CEO of Placefirst on 3 August, succeeding David Mawson who steps down after six years and moves to executive chair. McLean joins from Campus Living Ventures, where he was CEO for seven years, bringing extensive residential sector experience.