Future Generation Reports Strong International Demand

According to student accommodation specialists Future Generation, demand from international students remains strong.

Of all those bookings made at Future Generation's properties, 52.9% have been made from international students, marginally lower than the 59.9% recorded at the start of the 2020-21 academic year.

With June, July and August coming up, the company is confident demand will continue to rise, particularly as travel restrictions begin to be eased.

The operator is predicting occupancy levels to exceed 90% by September as the UK emerges from the pandemic.

Commenting on the market, Andrew Southern, chairman at Future Generation, said: "International travel and demand from overseas students was the biggest question mark hanging over the student accommodation sector when the pandemic blew up last year.

"Fast forward 12 months, and this asset class is proving itself once again.

"While it's true that demand from international students has softened, it has beaten expectations in the circumstances, and we expect it to draw level with past years by the time the academic year begins.

"There are still four key months to go, covering the most important bookings season in the calendar, so we're delighted with the way the portfolio is performing.

"We are still ahead of last year and on target to hit our goal of exceeding 90% occupancy across the portfolio by September."