Live PBSAX market snapshot
Counts below are computed from active PBSA schemes in the PBSAX database. They describe our coverage, not the entire UK student housing stock. We do not invent national bed totals, yields, or rents on this page.
As of 20 October 2026 (PBSAX database).
| Metric | PBSAX database |
|---|---|
| Active PBSA schemes | 1,849 |
| Beds recorded | 621,924 across 1,353 schemes with a bed count |
| Cities with schemes | 78 |
| Cities with a hub page | 62 |
| Distinct operators on schemes | 138 |
| Active companies in the directory | 512 |
Listings currently marketed are on PBSA for sale. Firms are in the company directory. City hubs include London, Manchester, and Glasgow. Qualitative market narrative is the UK student housing market report.
Cities in the PBSAX database
Ranked by number of active schemes we track. City names link to the UK PBSA city hubs.
| City | Schemes | Beds recorded |
|---|---|---|
| London | 246 | 84,492 |
| Nottingham | 106 | 30,578 |
| Sheffield | 97 | 38,342 |
| Bristol | 90 | 26,565 |
| Leeds | 86 | 28,931 |
| Manchester | 81 | 30,723 |
| Liverpool | 79 | 29,031 |
| Leicester | 73 | 23,185 |
| Glasgow | 62 | 27,288 |
| Birmingham | 61 | 22,305 |
| Newcastle | 60 | 25,036 |
| Edinburgh | 54 | 20,694 |
Yield context by city is on PBSA yields by city— those pages are research notes, not the live counts above.
Latest PBSA news
Recent PBSAX articles. The full archive, categories, and search live on the blog.
PBSA Development · 14 August 2026
Taylor’s Residence Launches New PBSA at Haus on 15Taylor’s Residence is set to introduce a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme at the Haus on 15 development in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Featuring 401 beds and professional management, this project aims to create a supportive living environment for students by 2029.
PBSA Insights · 14 August 2026
The Social Hub Glasgow Achieves £10m Social Value in Year OneThe Social Hub Glasgow has generated nearly £10m in social value within its first year, significantly outperforming traditional hotels. This innovative mixed-use venue supports community engagement, entrepreneurship, and student accommodation while expanding its footprint with plans for Edinburgh.
PBSA Development · 14 August 2026
Pinsent Masons Guides University of Manchester’s PBSA ProjectPinsent Masons has provided legal advice to The University of Manchester on its largest student accommodation project yet, enhancing its Fallowfield campus. The redevelopment will deliver around 3,330 modern bedrooms, addressing the increasing demand for high-quality student accommodation in Manchester.
PBSA Investment · 14 August 2026
German PBSA Market Sees Investment Surge in 2026Investment in Germany’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is rebounding, with around €200m transacted in the first half of 2026. This marks a significant recovery from the previous two years as demand fundamentals strengthen and operational performance improves.
PBSA Development · 14 August 2026
Refurbishment Advances at St James PBSA in GlasgowAbodus Student Living’s St James PBSA in Glasgow is undergoing significant refurbishment, with major renovations to amenity spaces. The project aims to enhance the student experience with upgraded facilities, including a cinema, gym, and private dining area.
PBSA Acquisitions · 14 August 2026
MCR Expands Sheffield PBSA Portfolio with New AcquisitionsMCR Property Group has successfully acquired three key assets in Sheffield, adding 1,163 beds to its portfolio. This strategic move not only strengthens MCR’s presence in the city but also enhances its Flow Student platform as it aims for 10,000 beds this year.
PBSA Development · 13 August 2026
Beckton House PBSA Set to Welcome Residents in 2026The 419-bed Beckton House purpose-built student accommodation in Beeston, Nottingham, is nearing completion ahead of its September 2026 opening. Developed by Cassidy Group and operated by Fresh, the scheme offers a variety of self-contained studios and modern amenities in a prime location.
PBSA Sales · 13 August 2026
Team Quest Lists £5.5m Salford PBSA Development for SaleTeam Quest International is seeking buyers for a £5.5m student accommodation site in Salford. The 1.5-acre plot, approved for 412 beds, is positioned near the University of Salford and is expected to generate significant annual rental income.
New to the asset class? Start with what is PBSA and the PBSA investment guide.
FAQs
Where does PBSAX publish PBSA news?
This page is the PBSA news and market-data landing page. Individual articles live in the PBSAX blog archive. We also link the UK student housing market report for qualitative sector context.
Are the scheme and bed counts the entire UK PBSA market?
No. Figures on this page are computed from the PBSAX database of active PBSA schemes we track. They are a snapshot of our coverage, dated on the page, not an official national census of every UK student bed.
How often is the market data updated?
Scheme, bed, city, and operator counts are recomputed from the live PBSAX database and cached for about an hour. The as-of date on the page is the timestamp of the snapshot you are viewing.
Where can I see PBSA for sale and companies?
Browse PBSA for sale on the properties marketplace and companies in the PBSAX directory. City market hubs are under UK PBSA city pages; yield notes stay on the valuation city pages.
Related guides
- Blog archiveAll PBSAX articles
- UK market reportQualitative sector context
- What is PBSA?Definition and market structure
- PBSA investmentReturns, risks, how to buy
- Company directoryOperators, developers, investors
- PBSA for saleLive marketplace listings
- UK PBSA marketsSchemes, operators, pipeline
- London PBSASchemes and operators
- Manchester PBSASchemes and operators