Student flats sector tops £100m during year

More than £100 million was transacted in the Scottish student housing market during 2017, research by property firm GVA has revealed.

Aberdeen witnessed the most activity with £51m transacted, according to the latest figures. Some £40m was transacted in Edinburgh, with just under £11m in Glasgow and £2m in Stirling.

The research also revealed that Scotland recorded an increase in applicant numbers for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) during 2017 for the fifth year in a row.

The 2 per cent yearon-year rise includes 4 per cent growth in noneu applicants, who now total 36,850 – the highest number recorded for this group. The report identifies the relative weakness of sterling as a significant factor in the strong appeal for foreign students.

The strength of the UK higher education system and rental growth outperforming inflation were key factors in the continuing robust performance of the sector nationally.