PBSA supply projected to reach 144,300 beds by 2027
Australia’s supply of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is forecast to reach 144,300 beds by 2027, according to the latest Urbis Student Accommodation Benchmarks, produced in collaboration with the Student Accommodation Council.
The report indicates that 1,045 new beds are expected to be delivered in 2024, with a further 11,200 beds anticipated between 2025 and 2027. At present, approximately 39,000 beds are under consideration or in planning.
This data follows a recent announcement by the Australian government, which will allow public universities to increase their international student enrolments in 2026, provided they can demonstrate the addition of new student accommodation. The government has also raised the National Planning Level for international students, with the 2026 allocation set to rise to 295,000, up from 270,000 in 2025.
Victoria now leads New South Wales in the number of planned beds, though much of this supply remains in the approval phase. Nationally, there are about 6.7 full-time on-campus university students for every PBSA bed. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest provision, with 2.7 students per bed, while Western Australia has the lowest at 9.2.
“With the election behind us, investors in student accommodation are looking at Australia with confidence again,” said Torie Brown (pictured right), executive director at Student Accommodation Council. “A strong wave of new supply is set to go live in the coming years, with the number of student beds estimated to reach 144,300 by 2027.
“With the ability of universities to grow their international student intake now linked to providing accommodation, this strong pipeline should give the university sector confidence that it can partner with the private student accommodation sector.”
According to Brown, the private sector has the scale, expertise and experience to deliver high-quality housing that supports both international and domestic students.
“Supply is largely focused on the traditionally bigger markets on the east coast, though Western Australia is gaining momentum with new supply on the horizon,” she said.
“Victoria has more beds in the pipeline, but the bulk of this is yet to begin construction. New South Wales, by comparison, shows a steadier pipeline, with developments progressing across multiple stages. Victoria’s numbers may look good on paper, but the state’s prohibitive tax regime means many of these approved projects are yet to begin construction.
“Without reform to Victoria’s land tax – much higher than any other state – it risks falling behind in attracting new investment and housing supply for students. We need governments to treat PBSA as an asset class of priority and make it easier for projects to get out of the ground.”
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