The student housing market is rapidly changing, and today’s students have more specific demands than ever before. They’re not just looking for a place to crash between classes—they’re seeking spaces that align with their lifestyle, enhance their academic success, and offer a sense of community.
From flexible lease terms to high-tech amenities and pet-friendly spaces, understanding these evolving preferences is key for property owners who want to stay competitive.
So, what are students seeking in housing, and how can property owners meet their needs while staying competitive?
As the demand for student housing grows, understanding what students value is key to remaining competitive. Here are a few trends that are shaping the market:
Purpose-built student housing is becoming increasingly popular as it’s specifically designed to meet students’ needs. These buildings are typically closer to campuses, with shared amenities and spaces that promote a sense of community.
More and more students are choosing PBSH for its convenience, security, and student-centric design.
Takeaway: Property owners can stay competitive by adding group study rooms, social areas, and prioritizing proximity to universities.
With the rise of online learning, students need quiet, tech-enabled spaces that foster focus. Properties with dedicated study rooms, high-speed internet, and ample desk space in bedrooms are highly sought after.
Takeaway: Ensure your property includes study-friendly environments, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, plenty of lighting, and quiet areas for students to concentrate.
Today’s students expect their living spaces to reflect their tech-savvy lifestyles. From smart thermostats to keyless entry and energy-efficient appliances, technology is essential. Students appreciate housing that integrates modern tech to enhance convenience and security.
Takeaway: Consider adding smart home features like automated lighting, temperature control, and smart locks to appeal to today’s students.
The rise of shared spaces is another trend that speaks to students’ desire for both affordability and community. By offering shared common areas and private bedrooms, shared spaces foster a sense of belonging while keeping costs manageable.
Takeaway: Design co-living spaces that encourage social interaction, with shared kitchens and lounges, while maintaining private study and sleeping areas.
Access to outdoor spaces such as courtyards, gardens, and recreational areas has become increasingly important to students, especially in light of the pandemic. Outdoor amenities like bike racks, fitness centers, and sports courts can enhance the living experience and appeal to active students.
Takeaway: Invest in outdoor spaces that promote relaxation, socializing, and physical activity to increase the attractiveness of your property.
Affordability remains a top priority for students when choosing housing. Many students are on tight budgets and are looking for rental options that provide good value for their money. They seek housing that balances reasonable rent prices with essential amenities and proximity to campus.
As the cost of living continues to rise, students are increasingly concerned with finding housing that fits their budget while still meeting their needs for convenience and comfort.
Takeaway: Property owners can stay competitive by offering affordable rental options with features like inclusive utilities, proximity to campus, and flexible lease terms, while still maintaining quality living spaces.
More students are seeking pet-friendly housing options that allow them to bring their pets with them. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or small animal, students increasingly view their pets as part of their family and want housing that accommodates them.
Pet-friendly policies can be a major selling point, especially for students living away from home for the first time.
Takeaway: Property owners can stay competitive by offering pet-friendly housing, providing amenities like pet parks or pet cleaning stations, to attract students who want to bring their pets with them.
Being close to campus or having easy access to public transportation is a significant factor in students’ housing decisions. Students value the convenience of living within walking distance to their classes, libraries, and campus amenities.
For those who can’t afford on-campus housing, proximity to reliable public transport becomes essential to ensure an easy commute to school.
Takeaway: Property owners can stay competitive by prioritizing locations near campus or offering easy access to public transportation, making commuting convenient for students.
Now that we understand what students want, how can property owners stay ahead of the competition?
Student feedback is crucial for understanding what students really value in their housing. Social media, online reviews, and direct feedback can provide valuable insights. At Find My Place, you have FREE ACCESS to competitors prices, reviews (good and bad), and property descriptions all in one place! We gather real-time feedback from students through our platform, giving property owners a direct line to their tenants’ needs and preferences.
Takeaway: Regularly monitor reviews and student feedback. Positive reviews highlight strengths, while negative feedback reveals areas for improvement.
Many students are seeking housing with flexible lease terms to accommodate their unpredictable schedules and evolving academic plans. Shorter leases, such as six-month or month-to-month options, allow students to avoid long-term commitments while still securing a place to live.
This flexibility is especially important for international students, students on exchange programs, or those with fluctuating class schedules.
Takeaway: Property owners can stay competitive by offering flexible lease terms, such as six-month or month-to-month leases, to attract students who need shorter commitments.
Many students are environmentally conscious and prefer housing options that align with their sustainability values. Properties with energy-efficient appliances, waste reduction programs, and sustainable building practices are increasingly in demand.
Takeaway: Incorporate sustainable features, such as solar power, energy-efficient appliances, and recycling programs, to attract eco-conscious students.
At Find My Place, we gather up-to-date market data straight from students through our platform. By tracking student preferences, reviewing their feedback, and analyzing trends, we provide property owners with actionable insights to stay competitive. Whether it’s discovering the most in-demand amenities or understanding price sensitivity, Find My Place ensures property owners have the data they need to make informed decisions.
Find My Place is the ultimate platform to help property owners and managers stay up-to-date on student housing trends while effectively marketing their units. Here’s how Find My Place keeps you informed and ahead of the curve:
Real-Time Access to Market Trends:
Find My Place continuously updates you on the latest student housing trends, from shifting preferences to pricing insights. This means you can adjust your offerings and rates to stay competitive, keeping your properties attractive to students year-round—even during off-peak seasons.
Leverage Facebook Groups for Direct Engagement:
With Find My Place, you gain instant access to a community of Facebook groups dedicated to student housing. This feature allows you to engage directly with students, answer their questions, and promote your listings in real-time—no need to search for or wait to be approved by external groups.
Keyword-Optimized Property Listings:
Our platform ensures that your property pages are optimized for relevant search terms, helping you rank higher in search results. From “student housing near [University Name]” to other location-based keywords, Find My Place does the heavy lifting for your SEO, making sure your listings are visible to students actively searching for housing.
Detailed Reviews to Build Trust:
Find My Place’s in-depth, detailed reviews go beyond basic star ratings. By showcasing comprehensive feedback from students who’ve lived in your units, you can build credibility, increase trust, and attract more prospective tenants. Positive reviews are a powerful tool to make your listings stand out.
Engage with Students in Real-Time:
Our platform allows for direct communication with students who are actively looking for housing. Whether responding to inquiries or addressing questions, Find My Place streamlines the engagement process, helping you fill vacancies faster and more efficiently.
Comprehensive, High-Quality Listings:
Find My Place creates visually appealing, detailed listings with high-quality images, clear descriptions, and easy navigation. This ensures that your properties grab students’ attention and keep them engaged, ultimately increasing the likelihood of them reaching out.
By using Find My Place, property owners and managers can stay informed about market trends, optimize their listings for maximum visibility, and streamline communication with prospective tenants—all while boosting occupancy rates and staying ahead of the competition.
