London has experienced a surge of student planning approvals in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, proving cause for optimism, a report from planning and development consultancy Lichfields has found.
The purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) rooms in the pipeline are equivalent to 10,500 conventional homes – which should ease the burden on London’s rental market.
The capital has approved more than 26,000 student bedrooms since 2021.
Jonathan Hoban, associate director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation plays a critical role in meeting housing need and supporting London’s global education offer. The research identifies a healthy pipeline of schemes with approval which should translate into deliveries.
“Against the poor backdrop for conventional housing in London, the provision of PBSA not only ensures London remains a leading destination for higher education but it could help deliver more affordable homes. It could be a win-win situation for London.”
Lichfield praised the Greater London Authority’s broad policy support for PBSA, as there is no set design-led planning framework and preferred locations vary between developers and operators.
The study concluded that the current momentum needs to be maintained in the 2027 London Plan.
Hoban added: “This is a real opportunity to bring forward the delivery of much-needed homes across the capital.
“By maintaining a flexible approach in the next London Plan and continuing to champion well-designed PBSA, we can ensure more schemes continue to come forward, helping to meet both student demand and the wider housing needs of London.”
Permissions for conventional housing in London stand at a 10-year low.