As the student housing market continues to evolve, staying informed on pre-leasing trends and rental rates is crucial for investors, property managers, and stakeholders. The latest January Month-End National Student Housing Report by College House delivers critical insights into the sector, helping industry professionals make data-driven decisions.
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Key Findings from the Report
Pre-Leasing Trends: A Year-Over-Year Decline
Pre-leasing activity for the 2025-26 academic year has seen a national average of 49.1%, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the previous year. Regionally, the trends vary:
- West: 33.3% (down from 37.3%)
- Southwest: 46.1% (down from 51.2%)
- Midwest: 54.2% (down from 55.2%)
- Northeast: 41.6% (down from 44.8%)
- Southeast: 55.5% (down from 57.5%)
This 2.9% year-over-year decline suggests a shift in student rental patterns, potentially influenced by economic factors, affordability concerns, leasing velocity, and changing demand for off-campus housing options.
Rental Rates: A Steady Increase Nationwide
Despite the drop in pre-leasing percentages, rental rates have increased across all regions, with the national average rate per bed now standing at $1,001. The biggest gains were recorded in:
- West: $1,104 (up from $1,074)
- Southwest: $945 (up from $906)
- Midwest: $970 (up from $890)
- Northeast: $1,184 (up from $1,160)
- Southeast: $959 (up from $905)
This 5.02% year-over-year growth highlights ongoing shifts in the student housing market and the importance of affordability and accessibility for renters.
Floor Plan-Specific Trends
Different unit types are showing distinct trends in both pre-leasing and rental rates:
- Pre-Lease Decline: Studios (-3.2%), 1-bedroom (-2.9%), 2-bedroom (-3.3%), and 3-bedroom (-2.8%) units all experienced dips in leasing activity.
- Rental Rate Growth: The highest increases were observed in 3-bedroom units (+6.9%) and 5-bedroom units (+6.1%), indicating a growing preference for multi-bedroom options among student renters.
What This Means for the Industry
These findings reflect an evolving student housing landscape. Higher rental rates coupled with lower pre-leasing figures suggest that students may be more selective, with affordability and amenities playing an increasing role in decision-making.
Download the full report below:
January 2025 Month End Student Housing Report, by College House
Get the Full Report
For a deeper dive into these insights and a comprehensive breakdown of regional trends, download the full January 2025 National Student Housing Report from College House.
Visit www.collegehouse.com or email info@collegehouse.com to get your copy today.