Student Housing & Hostels: The New Investment Opportunities

Student Housing & Hostels Scenario

There are currently 34 million students enrolled just in higher education in India from which the number of migrant students is 10.4 mn according to the report by JLL. Since the post-pandemic time the industry has seen steady rise by 10-15% in student housing. 

The demand for sanitary and quality student homes and hostels have increased. According to the Global Student Property report by Knight Frank the demand for Purpose Built Student Accommodation is more than 8 million which is expected to grow to 13 million beds till the end of 2025.

Leading Industry Players In India

According to Santhosh Kumar, vice-chairman, Anarock Group, a real estate consultancy; the Indian student housing industry is expected to reach approximately $780.5 million by 2030 with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 6.6%. 

Now-a-days students are opting for more organized, high quality, well managed housing pushing developers to  innovate and raise the standards of student living environments further driving the sector’s growth. According to Knight Frank the current potential demand for PBSA in India is approximately 50 billion dollars. 

The student housing and hostel marking is growing with more demand and less supply. Till date only 20% of demand is met. The market is dominated by a large volume of private owners with relatively small portfolios of off-campus hostels.

The major players include Your Space, Oxfordcaps which has its headquarters in Singapore and provides premium student housing options in Delhi NCR and Stanza Living which just days ago raised $10 million in a series and round which is led by venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, Zolo, CoHo, Ziffy Homes and others.

The student housing sector presents attractive rental yields ranging from 8% to 18% per annum much higher than traditional real estate. The India student accommodation market is witnessing remarkable growth, fueled by a surge in student enrollments, increased migration for higher education and a growing preference for professionally managed housing.

With over 40 million students currently enrolled in higher education, the demand for quality student housing in India far exceeds the available supply—especially in educational hubs such as Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Traditionally dominated by hostels and PG accommodations, the India student accommodation industry is now undergoing a paradigm shift towards purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) which offers improved safety, premium amenities and community-driven living experiences.

Student Housing Challenges In The Market

The student housing market in India is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by the growing demand for quality accommodation due to increasing enrolment rates in educational institutions. However, while the sector holds immense potential it is not without its challenges.

1. Capacity Constraints

As enrolment rates rise, the existing student accommodation facilities are struggling to meet the demand. Overcrowding has become a common issue, leading to inadequate living conditions that fail to provide the comfort and safety that students require.

2. Lack Of Standardized Regulations

One of the key hurdles faced by the student housing market is the absence of standardized regulations and guidelines. This lack of uniformity has impeded the development of a structured and efficient market causing inconsistency in the quality of housing and its pricing.

3. Limited Private Sector Participation

While the government has made notable efforts to build hostels, there is a growing need for greater private sector involvement to meet the surging demand. The private sector can bring in much-needed investment and improve the quality of student housing, bridging the existing supply gap.

4. Gender-Specific Challenges

Ensuring safe and adequate accommodation for female students continues to be a major concern. Although the government is working towards promoting gender equality in education, there is still a significant challenge in providing secure and comfortable housing options for female students.

5. Rising Operational Costs

With the increasing demand for better facilities, the operational costs of maintaining and upgrading student housing have risen sharply. Property managers face the challenge of balancing investment in improvements while keeping rents competitive and accessible to students.

6. Increasing Competition

The student housing market is witnessing a surge in new developments which has intensified competition. To remain competitive, established developers must innovate by upgrading their facilities, revising their marketing strategies and adjusting pricing models to cater to the evolving needs of students.

Advantages Of Student Housing In India

1. Low Maintenance Costs

Student accommodation facilities are typically designed with standard layouts that cater specifically to the needs of students. This compact and functional design reduces cleaning and maintenance efforts leading to lower operational costs.

2. Consistent and Predictable Demand

Student housing offers a stable demand as students require accommodation for the duration of their academic years. This consistent demand ensures a reliable source of rental income for property investors.

3. Potential for Higher Rental Yields

Unlike single-family residential properties student housing often accommodates multiple tenants in a single unit. This multi-tenant model allows for higher rental yields making it a more lucrative option for property owners and investors.

4. Low-Risk Profile

Student housing is generally considered a low-risk investment due to its stable occupancy rates. Education remains a priority for families which helps to maintain a steady flow of tenants even during economic downturns providing a sense of security for investors.

5. Untapped Market Potential

Despite the growing interest in the sector, the student housing market in India remains underdeveloped. With approximately 90% of the market share still retained by unorganized players, there is significant room for growth and value creation. The sector holds immense untapped potential offering investors an opportunity to capitalize on this emerging market.

Conclusion

While the student housing market in India faces various challenges the opportunities for growth are undeniable. With the right investment and regulatory framework, this sector can be transformed into a thriving and profitable industry, benefiting students and investors alike.