Dundee is increasingly stepping up to meet the accommodation needs of students studying in St Andrews, as housing pressures continue to escalate in the picturesque coastal town of Fife. Tim Goddard, director of Gylemuir Capital, the firm responsible for the Parklands Dundee project—one of the city’s newest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) developments—emphasised that student housing has become one of the most significant challenges facing university towns and cities throughout the UK. He stated, “Demand for higher education remains incredibly strong, but the supply of modern, purpose-built accommodation hasn’t always kept pace.”
Goddard further elaborated that Dundee has emerged as one of Scotland’s leading student cities, boasting excellent universities, a vibrant student community, and superb transport links to St Andrews. This combination makes it a more appealing choice for students seeking high-quality accommodation. He noted, “Purpose-built student accommodation provides students with professionally managed homes designed around modern student life, while also helping to alleviate pressure on the wider private rented sector. It’s an important part of creating sustainable university communities.”
Current Housing Landscape
Research conducted by property consultancy Savills indicates that the UK’s 20 largest university cities require an additional 234,000 PBSA beds to create a more balanced ratio between student numbers and available accommodation. This growth in new PBSA projects is occurring despite broader concerns regarding the implications of an ongoing funding crisis in universities and colleges, the potential job market disruptions caused by artificial intelligence, and local apprehensions about general housing shortages.
The University of St Andrews continues to draw in over 11,000 students from across the globe. The persistent demand for places at this venerable institution, coupled with sustained pressure on the local housing market, has prompted many students to broaden their accommodation search to include Dundee.
Parklands Dundee: A Modern Solution
Parklands, situated in the heart of Dundee, offers a total of 163 bedrooms, featuring en-suite cluster apartments and self-contained studios. Residents can enjoy a range of facilities including dedicated study areas, a fully equipped gym, a rooftop terrace, a “sky lounge”, communal social spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and inclusive content insurance and utility bills. Goddard highlighted the evolving priorities of students, saying, “Students today are looking for much more than just a room. They want certainty. They want to know exactly what they’ll be paying each month without worrying about unexpected energy bills or rising household costs.”
In the current cost-of-living climate, this certainty has become immensely valuable for students and their families. Goddard noted that students are initiating their accommodation searches much earlier than in previous years. Starting this process sooner gives them the broadest selection of options and helps ensure they find housing that fits their lifestyle and budget.
Government Support for PBSA
Research conducted by the Scottish government has recognised the significance of purpose-built student accommodation as an integral part of Scotland’s housing mix. This type of accommodation not only supports students but also reduces the pressure on the private rental market. A report released last year described student flats as a “shining light” within Scotland’s commercial property landscape.
PBSA projects, which have been proliferating across Scottish university towns and cities, were spotlighted in recent investor research conducted by property advisory firm Lismore Real Estate Advisors. The resilience displayed in the student accommodation sector is particularly notable against the backdrop of funding uncertainties affecting the higher education landscape.