Perth has 7,600 beds of purpose-built student accommodation in its development pipeline, placing the city second in Australia for planned student housing capacity as a number of new projects progress through planning and construction.
The figure refers to beds in projects specifically designed for student use, rather than general rental developments being marketed to students. Several schemes have recently moved from concept to delivery, contributing to the rising pipeline total.
Across the nation Perth’s pipeline ranks behind one other city, reflecting a shift in where investors and developers are targeting purpose-built student accommodation, with Western Australia seeing a notable flow of activity.
The surge in project starts will support work for builders, trades and suppliers in the months ahead, as sites move through approvals and onto construction timetables. Increased construction activity is likely to be concentrated in precincts near universities and tertiary campuses.
For students, the growing supply of purpose-built beds will expand the range of accommodation options available, and could ease some of the pressure on the private rental market where students compete with other renters for housing close to campuses.
Developers and specialist student housing operators have been a key source of this pipeline growth, attracted by demand from both domestic and international students and by the prospect of stable rental incomes once projects are operational.
Universities and local economies stand to gain from better student accommodation capacity, which can support enrolments, campus life and local spending by students who live closer to campus facilities and services.
Delivery of the pipeline will depend on planning approvals, construction schedules and financing for individual projects, so timing and the number of beds completed over the next two to three years will vary by development.
The current total of 7,600 beds highlights how Perth has become a significant market for purpose-built student accommodation, as a fresh tranche of projects advances from planning into construction and works continue to be lodged and approved across the metropolitan area.
