The PBSA Board will support the rapidly growing sector and the UK economy
Consisting of eight representatives, the British Property Federation’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Board will engage with local and national government to help the sector’s leading role.
Joe Lister, the CEO of Unite Students, has been appointed as chair of the board.
PBSA provides housing for over 450,000 students
Since 2015, £90bn has been invested into the PBSA sector, which in turn has contributed value to students, universities, communities, and the economy.
As such, the PBSA Board will seek to clarify the critical role that the sector plays to both the public and the government. This will come by demonstrating how PBSA supports government housing targets by reducing pressure on residential housing markets, and supporting the closing of the skills gap by providing space for more students.
Joe Lister, chief executive officer of Unite Students, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation is fundamental to the UK’s world-class higher education sector and to the prosperity of the towns and cities it supports. Through the BPF’s new PBSA Board, we will bring the sector together working with universities, communities and government to unlock responsible, well-located supply where it is needed most.
“One of our biggest challenges is meeting rapidly evolving student needs. As providers, we are committed to delivering high-quality, affordable and sustainable homes that support long-term university growth. As chair, my focus is on turning collaboration into practical action so more students can access the homes they need to thrive.”
Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “National and local economies benefit extensively from the millions of students that attend the UK’s universities. The Board has been created to continue to make the case to Government that PBSA has a critical role in providing students with safe secure housing that improves the overall student experience, while alleviating pressure on local housing supply and contributing to regional development. I look forward to working with Joe and his colleagues on the BPF PBSA Board to further the provision of professionally managed student housing and supports the Government’s ambition for growth.”
PBSA is a big support for London housing targets
In August, research by Lichfields found that since 2021, London approved over 26,000 student bedrooms, causing a surge in approvals for Q1 2025 and making housing targets more achievable after low-delivery in previous years.
The amount of PBSA approved and built in London since 2021 is equivalent to 10,500 homes.
According to the Lichfields research, PBSA is one of the strongest and most economically viable types of residential development, and an opportunity to ease pressure on both the private rented sector and larger housing needs.
Jonathan Hoban, associate director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation plays a critical role in meeting housing need and supporting London’s global education offer. The research identifies a healthy pipeline of schemes with approval which should translate into deliveries.
“Against the poor backdrop for conventional housing in London, the provision of PBSA not only ensures London remains a leading destination for higher education but it could help deliver more affordable homes. It could be a win-win situation for London.
“This is a real opportunity to bring forward the delivery of much-needed homes across the capital. By maintaining a flexible approach in the next London Plan and continuing to champion well-designed PBSA, we can ensure more schemes continue to come forward, helping to meet both student demand and the wider housing needs of London.”
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