- There has been a 21% increase in student numbers at Irish Universities and Colleges since 2014. Demand is being driven by both Irish and international students with the international component set to become increasingly important.
- 47% of all international students in 2023/2024 came from Asia, with India the leading country within that category. 25% came from Europe & the UK and 22% from North America.
- Knight Frank forecast an increase in international students from each of these categories in 2024/2025 and beyond, particularly from Asia and the US.
- Lack of new product in the development pipeline is a set to become a significant problem impacting further the Irish market’s ability to provide purpose built accommodation for international students and product to meet investor demand.
- Approximately €1 billion of PBSA trades closed in the Irish market over the last ten years (22% in 2024). The lack of stock is set to be a key challenge for both students and investors.
- With an increasing focus on the PBSA sector across Europe and Ireland, it’s crunch time for Irish policy makers to address key regulatory problems in the market, in particular the RPZ and 41 week term legislation and allow the free flow of investment into the Irish market at a time when demand for student accommodation is set to increasingly exceed supply.
Joan Henry, Chief Economist & Director of Research, Knight Frank Ireland
For a full copy of this report, please contact
Joan.Henry@ie.knightfrank.com
or Robert.OConnor@ie.knightfrank.com