The text highlights the current student accommodation crisis in the UK, particularly in Glasgow, where many students are struggling to find a place to live. The increased demand for student housing, combined with a shortage of available beds, has led to a situation where students are being forced to defer their studies or drop out completely. The pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with grade inflation and deferred places contributing to the high number of students seeking accommodation. The lack of action from universities and the impact of new rental regulations have further worsened the crisis. Overall, there is a pressing need for rent controls and a student housing guarantee to ensure every student has a safe and affordable place to live.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student accommodation crisis | From adequate student housing to shortage | Increased availability of affordable student housing | Increased student enrollment and lack of investment in student housing |
| Increase in student enrollment | More students accepted into universities | Continued increase in student enrollment | Grade inflation, deferred places, and backlogs |
| Selling of rental properties by landlords | Reduction in available rental properties | Decreased rental options for students | Market conditions and changes in rental regulations |
| HMO licensing restrictions | Difficulty for students in finding housing | More stringent regulations on HMO licensing | Stricter regulations and lack of affordable non-HMO housing |
| Rising rental prices | Increased cost of renting for students | Higher rental prices for students | Market conditions and lack of affordable housing options |
| Financial strain on students | Decreased financial support for students | Increased financial strain on students | Inflation and rising living expenses |