Student housing is India's next real estate hotspot, says report - here's why
A report by Knight Frank highlights the growing investment potential in India's purpose-built student accommodation sector. Driven by rising domestic enrollment and the entry of international universities, the market is becoming a key asset class for real estate investors.
Why it matters
This trend reflects a significant shift in India's real estate landscape, offering new opportunities for institutional investors amid changing global education patterns.
India's higher education landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, and with it, a new opportunity is emerging for real estate investors.As millions more students enrol in colleges, international universities establish campuses in India, and studying abroad becomes increasingly expensive, demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is rising rapidly.Backed by favourable demographics, expanding higher education and growing student mobility, India is fast emerging as one of the most promising student housing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.According to a Knight Frank report, investments in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) living sector have reached $21 billion, nearly tripling over the past decade, with India well-positioned to benefit from the sector's long-term growth.The report noted that APAC living-sector investments increased significantly between 2016 and 2025, driven by changing demographics and evolving housing needs.
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