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Student Housing
#1 Student Lettings Agency
UCAS 2025 results reveal record university acceptances and a surge in international students. Learn what this means for UK student landlords and how to fill your properties fast.
A-level results day has once again shaken up the higher education landscape — and if you’re a student landlord, the numbers released by UCAS today should be on your radar. The data not only shows record-breaking university acceptances, but also points to trends that could directly influence demand for your properties in the year ahead.
Let’s take a closer look at how 2025 compares to last year and what it could mean for the student accommodation market.
This year, a total of 439,180 applicants have been accepted into UK universities, marking a 3.1% increase over 2024. Even more significantly, 82% of students secured a place at their first-choice university, up from 75.7% last year (Gov.uk).
International numbers are also on the rise. UCAS has confirmed 52,640 international undergraduate acceptances, up 2.9% year-on-year, with students from China leading the way — their numbers have grown by an impressive 13% (Financial Times). This is a sharp reversal from 2024, when overseas acceptances actually dipped by 2.3% (UCAS End of Cycle Data 2024).
Domestic demand is also shifting. This year saw a 7.2% increase in UK 18-year-olds accepted at elite universities, compared with only a 1.4% rise at lower-ranked institutions (FT). In other words, the top universities are attracting more students than ever before, and they’ll all need somewhere to live.
And it’s not over yet — Clearing is now open with over 27,000 course places still available across the UK, meaning thousands of students will be scrambling to secure both a course and accommodation in the coming weeks.
All of these stats add up to one clear takeaway: student housing demand is growing, and in some segments of the market, growing fast.
More total students means more demand for rooms. The rise in first-choice placements means students are locking in their accommodation earlier than before. And the rebound in international student numbers, particularly from high-demand regions like China, means there’s renewed appetite for high-quality, fully furnished homes in prime locations.
The next few weeks represent a critical window for landlords. Acting quickly could be the difference between achieving full occupancy and being left with empty rooms when term starts.
Here’s what you should be doing right now:
List your properties immediately — Students are actively searching, and the early movers get the most attention.
Highlight all-inclusive rent packages — Utilities, Wi-Fi, and TV licences bundled into rent are a major draw, especially for international students.
Offer virtual viewings — Many students, particularly those overseas, will commit to housing without visiting in person.
Be flexible with move-in dates — Clearing students may need late-August or early-September start dates, so adaptable tenancy terms could give you an edge.
Promote location advantages — Properties close to campuses with high first-choice placements will see the fastest uptake.
Compared to last year, 2025 is shaping up to be a bumper year for student lets. Record university acceptances, a rebound in overseas enrolment, and strong first-choice placement rates all point towards heightened demand.
For landlords in student cities — from Lincoln and Nottingham to Hull, Manchester, and Leeds — the message is simple: move quickly, market smartly, and make your properties as appealing and convenient as possible. Done right, this year’s results day could translate into your best occupancy rates yet.
At Student Housing, we work with landlords to get their properties in front of the right students — fast. Our marketing, tenant matching, and fully managed service take the stress out of student lets.
📍 Find out how we can help: student-housing.co.uk/landlords
📞 Lincoln: 01522 410 646 | Nottingham: 01157 848 600 | Hull: 01482 930 498
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#1 Student Lettings Agency
Student Housing is a top-rated student lettings agency offering fully furnished, bills-included accommodation across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull. Run by former students, we provide hassle-free, transparent housing tailored for university life.
