Research on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and student housing in Scotland

This report is the main output from a research project commissioned in January 2022 by the Scottish Government. The research was commissioned to inform the work of the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Review Group, who have been tasked with the development of a Student Accommodation Strategy for Scotland. In addition to a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the research involved a survey and interviews with students, and interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis sets out a series of key challenges and considerations for the Review Group to consider. These focus on issues such as: demand for student accommodation, parity between PBSA and the Private Rented Sector, student experiences and representation, equalities, planning, affordability and the cost of living.