This month, the latest College House report focuses on positive national pre-lease trends. As we transition into summer, the 2025–2026 student housing leasing cycle is gaining traction. According to College House’s latest May National Snapshot, national pre-lease performance has officially pulled ahead of last year’s pace. As of early June, national pre-lease is up +0.4% year-over-year, marking the first time this cycle that leasing momentum has surpassed the previous year.
This shift reflects a strong seasonal pickup, and it's not just isolated to one or two markets. Across the country, 2-6 bedroom floor plans are all outperforming their year-over-year benchmarks, a signal of sustained demand across larger unit types. Notably, every region except the Southwest and Northeast is trending ahead of their prior year benchmarks with respect to pre-lease, an encouraging sign for operators entering peak leasing season
While rates have continued their steady rise, with an average year-over-year increase of +4.6 %, leasing velocity is keeping pace.
This data underscores a broader theme we’re tracking this cycle: consistency. Unlike prior years marked by volatility or sharp swings, the current cycle shows measured, stable growth—with performance increases driven by underlying demand, not reactive pricing.
To explore the full breakdown, including region-specific performance, floor plan trends, and comparative velocity analysis, view the full report below.
Download the full report: May National Snapshot College House