Student housing to fall 120,000 beds short by 2028

Demand is expected to reach 175,000 by 2028.

Student housing is expected to fall short by 120,000 beds by 2028, according to Colliers. 

Colliers predicted that even with hostel development fund (HDF) sponsorship, the total supply of student accommodation—comprising beds from both private operators, UGC and non-UGC institutions—is projected to around 55,000 in 2028. If 25% of local full-time students and 100% of non-local fulltime students in post-secondary programs require accommodation, demand is expected to reach 175,000 by 2028, resulting in a shortfall.

The demand from non-local students and the population increase driven by the government’s various talent initiatives has pushed private residential rents by 7.5% since Q1 2023. 

Colliers said that the imbalance will have students turning to private accommodations which will charge market rents. 

“A lack of available beds restricts Hong Kong universities to enrol international students and will weaken its competitiveness in growing the country to an international education hub,” Colliers added.