Unite Group PLC reported strong bookings for the upcoming academic year, driven by high demand from both domestic and international students, supporting its outlook for rental growth.
The UK's largest student accommodation provider said on Tuesday it has sold 94% of its rooms for the 2025/26 academic year.
This level of sales supports rental growth of 4% to 5%, with the company targeting an occupancy rate of at least 97%, it said.
Unite attributed the performance to record demand from UK 18-year-olds and a 5% year-on-year increase in acceptances from non-EU international students, with particularly strong growth from China.
The company reiterated its 2025 guidance for adjusted earnings per share of 47.5 pence to 48.25 pence.
The trading update was provided in documents related to its planned acquisition of rival Empiric Student Property, which was announced in August.
Unite also said it recently completed the sale of nine properties for 212 million British Pounds to an affiliate of Lone Star Funds, with proceeds to be reinvested in its strongest markets.
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