How Brexit is Changing the Student Housing Market in the UK

🇬🇧 Introduction: Why Brexit Still Matters to Students in 2025

Although the UK officially left the European Union in January 2020, the ripple effects of Brexit are still unfolding-especially in sectors like higher education and student accommodation.

Before Brexit, the UK welcomed thousands of EU students annually under the same tuition and visa conditions as domestic students. But now, with EU students reclassified as international and new visa restrictions in place, the student housing market in the UK has experienced fundamental shifts—in demand, pricing, and regional preferences.

Whether you're a property investor, student landlord, or prospective international student, understanding how Brexit is affecting the student housing market is essential in 2025 and beyond.

Key Facts and Figures on Post-Brexit Student Housing Trends

Source: HESA, UCAS, Knight Frank Student Accommodation Report 2024

How Brexit is Changing the UK Student Housing Market: 6 Key Shifts

1. Drop in EU Student Numbers = Demand Shifts to Non-EU Markets

Long-tail keyword: impact of Brexit on EU student housing demand in the UK

With tuition fees for EU students doubling or tripling, many EU nationals now choose more affordable alternatives in the Netherlands, Germany, or Ireland. This has caused:

• Reduced housing demand in London, Cambridge, and Oxford (traditional EU student hotspots)

• Increased focus on recruiting students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

• Developers and landlords targeting non-EU international markets instead

2. Higher Visa and Living Costs Mean More Demand for Affordable Housing

Long-tail keyword: affordable student housing post-Brexit UK

Brexit introduced new visa and NHS surcharge requirements (approx. £500 - £800/year). Combined with higher fees, students are seeking:

• Shared housing and HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

• Accommodation with bills included

• Regional cities with lower living costs: e.g. Sheffield, Hull, Sunderland

Expert Insight: "Brexit has made affordability the #1 priority. Students now compare cities not just on university rankings, but on rent prices, job prospects, and cost of living." - Daniel Webb, UK Student Housing Analyst

3. Private Providers (PBSA) Are Adjusting Offerings and Pricing

Long-tail keyword: changes in purpose-built student accommodation after Brexit

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providers are adapting to fill the gap left by EU students by:

• Offering shorter-term contracts and flexible deposits

• Adding career support, wellbeing services, and study lounges

• Expanding into regional cities to diversify their tenant base

4. Increased Demand for Student Housing from Domestic Students

Long-tail keyword: UK student housing demand increase post-Brexit

The number of domestic students in UK universities has increased due to limited international competition, which has led to:

• Strain on university-owned halls

• Higher demand for private rentals and studio flats

• Increased interest in commuter-friendly cities like Coventry, Nottingham, and Wolverhampton

5. Landlords Must Navigate New Legal & Visa Requirements

Long-tail keyword: landlord guide to student visas UK post-Brexit

Landlords now need to check international students' visa status, right-to-rent eligibility, and often handle upfront payments due to lack of UK credit history.

Key considerations:

• Require valid UK student visa

• Some banks don't issue UK-based guarantors to new arrivals

• Demand for guarantor services and rent insurance is increasing

6. Rise of Hybrid & Remote Learning = Different Housing Patterns

Long-tail keyword: hybrid learning impact on student housing UK post-Brexit

Post-COVID and post-Brexit, many universities are embracing hybrid or flexible learning models. This shift has created:

• Increased demand for term-time only lets

• Less interest in year-round contracts

• Growth in flexible serviced student accommodation

Expert Advice for Landlords, Students, and Investors

For Landlords & Investors

• Target Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities with growing non-EU international student bases: Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester

• Offer flexible move-in dates, furnished flats, and WiFi-inclusive packages

• Understand international payment patterns and potential cultural housing preferences

For EU and International Students

• Look beyond London to save 30-40% on rent

• Ask about bills included, deposit flexibility, and visa-friendly terms

• Use accredited platforms (e.g. StudentCrowd, UniAcco, Rightmove Student) to find trusted listings

Quick Checklist: Brexit Impact on Student Housing at a Glance

• EU students now pay international fees

• Housing demand shifting outside London

• Affordability and flexibility are key to post-Brexit accommodation

• Visa requirements = additional paperwork for landlords

• Rise in shorter leases, flexible contracts, and demand for regional cities

Final Thoughts: The Student Housing Market in the UK After Brexit

Brexit has undeniably reshaped the student accommodation landscape in the UK. While EU student numbers have declined, the UK remains a top destination globally-particularly for students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The shift requires smarter housing strategies, more inclusive rental practices, and a focus on value, flexibility, and location. For students and landlords alike, understanding this new landscape is essential to thrive in the post-Brexit student market.

Additional Resources

• UCAS: EU and International Student Information

• UKCISA - International Student Advice

• Knight Frank Student Housing Reports

• HESA - Student Enrollment Statistics