December and Year-End Trends in Student Housing

As 2024 winds down, the student housing market reveals critical December and year-end trends that will shape 2025 and beyond. By analyzing data from our November National Student Housing Report, industry stakeholders can gain valuable insights into pre-leasing rates, rental growth, and tenant preferences. Let’s dive into the key December and year-end trends driving this market.

Regional Pre-Lease and Rent Trends for December

The national average pre-lease rate for the 2025–2026 leasing cycle is 36.6%, reflecting shifts in December and year-end trends across various regions. These insights provide a roadmap for understanding market performance as the year concludes.

Key Pre-Lease Highlights:

• Midwest: Pre-leasing rates are at 41.7%, slightly lower than last year’s 42.7%.
• Southeast: Holding steady at 43.5%, down from 44.1% in 2023.
• Northeast: A notable dip to 30.7% compared to last year’s 34.1%.

Rental Rate Trends by Region:

• Northeast: Boasts the highest average rent at $1,182 per bed.
• Southwest: More budget-friendly options with an average of $942 per bed.
• West: Rental rates rose to $1,091 per bed, reflecting competitive pricing and demand.

These December and year-end trends indicate steady demand across regions, with variability in pre-leasing rates and pricing strategies.

Floor Plan Trends: December Pre-Lease and Rental Insights

December data underscores how tenant preferences shape pre-leasing rates and rental growth across various floor plans. These year-end trends provide a closer look at what students value in their housing choices.

Floor Plan Pre-Leasing and Rental Trends:

• Studios:
  • Pre-leasing rates held steady at 33.2%.
  • Rental rates increased 3.8% YoY to $1,524 per bed.
• Three-Bedroom Units:
  • Rental growth leads the pack, rising 7.2% YoY to $883 per bed.
• Larger Units (5-6 Bedrooms):
  • Pre-leasing rates remain robust at 43.4%–49.5%.
  • These units highlight strong demand for shared housing options.

Key Observations:

• Multi-bedroom units remain popular due to cost efficiency and shared living preferences.
• Studio rentals show growth, driven by students seeking privacy and convenience.

These December and year-end trends demonstrate a diverse range of housing preferences that property managers can leverage to refine their leasing strategies.

Preparing for 2025: A Market Poised for Growth

The November 2024 Student Housing Report reveals consistent rental growth and sustained demand for larger units—critical December and year-end trends that signal opportunities heading into 2025. By staying ahead of these trends, property managers and investors can make informed decisions to enhance leasing success in the coming year.

Actionable Takeaways for December and Year-End Planning:

• Monitor regional pre-leasing activity to identify competitive markets.
• Optimize pricing strategies based on floor plan trends and tenant preferences.
• Focus on larger units to meet demand for cost-effective shared living options.

These December and year-end trends provide a snapshot of the current market and a strategic foundation for success in the next leasing cycle.

Conclusion: Leveraging December and Year-End Trends

Understanding December and year-end trends is essential for navigating the evolving student housing market. As 2024 comes to a close, these insights from the November National Student Housing Report highlight key areas for growth and innovation in 2025.

• Stay informed about pre-leasing rates and rental growth to remain competitive.
• Align leasing strategies with tenant preferences for floor plans and amenities.
• Use regional data to guide investment decisions and capitalize on market dynamics.

Download the College House November Month-End Report today to explore these December and year-end trends in greater detail and uncover actionable opportunities for success.