London has skilled a surge of scholar planning approvals in 2024 and the primary quarter of 2025, proving trigger for optimism, a report from planning and growth consultancy Lichfields has discovered.
The aim-built scholar lodging (PBSA) rooms within the pipeline are equal to 10,500 standard properties – which ought to ease the burden on London’s rental market.
The capital has accredited greater than 26,000 scholar bedrooms since 2021.
Jonathan Hoban, affiliate director in Lichfields’ London workplace, stated: “Goal-built scholar lodging performs a vital function in assembly housing want and supporting London’s international schooling supply. The analysis identifies a wholesome pipeline of schemes with approval which ought to translate into deliveries.
“Towards the poor backdrop for standard housing in London, the supply of PBSA not solely ensures London stays a number one vacation spot for greater schooling however it might assist ship extra reasonably priced properties. It might be a win-win scenario for London.”
Lichfield praised the Higher London Authority’s broad coverage assist for PBSA, as there isn’t a set design-led planning framework and most popular places differ between builders and operators.
The research concluded that the present momentum must be maintained within the 2027 London Plan.
Hoban added: “It is a actual alternative to convey ahead the supply of much-needed properties throughout the capital.
“By sustaining a versatile strategy within the subsequent London Plan and persevering with to champion well-designed PBSA, we are able to guarantee extra schemes proceed to return ahead, serving to to fulfill each scholar demand and the broader housing wants of London.”
Permissions for standard housing in London stand at a 10-year low.
