Formed in May 2022, the Student Accommodation Council gives a voice to the critically important purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector which provides homes for over 76,500 students per year, a figure that continues to grow.
Providing vibrant and connected housing options for students underpins Australia’s largest service export – international education. Ensuring a strong pipeline of beds also reduces pressure on the broader residential rental market by providing a safe, student-only housing choice.
Our advocacy priorities are to remove the barriers to growth in this alternative residential asset class and grow the sector Australia-wide.
Better investment frameworks will ensure that PBSA in Australia can continue to garner international interest and house the next generation of leaders.
Campaigns & Submissions
View campaigns and submissions related to the PBSA sector.
Submission to the Inquiry into the worsening rental crisis in Australia
The Property Council has consistently called for more homes and a diverse housing mix to meet the existing and emerging housing needs of all Australians.
Submission in response to the Australian Universities Accord – Interim Report
Please find the Student Accommodation Council’s submission into the Review Panels’ Australian Universities Accord – Interim Report (Interim Report).
Stage 2 Rental Law Reforms
Please find below the Student Accommodation Council’s submission regarding the Stage 2 Rental Law Reforms discussion paper currently out for consultation.
Our priorities for Student Accommodation
Supply – Work with governments and the sector to increase the supply of PBSA in Australia, unlocking the rental market and providing safe and professionally managed housing options for students.
Growth – Support the PBSA sector by removing barriers to growth like foreign investor taxes and charges.
Education – Increase awareness about the important economic, social and wellbeing impacts of the sector amongst policy makers, investors, educational institutions and the public.
Unity – Work with the entire education supply chain to strengthen relationships between institutions, accommodation providers and all levels of government.
Consistency – Provide consistent regulatory frameworks for PBSA providers across Australia, ensuring an even playing field that encourages investment regardless of jurisdiction.
Media Releases
View the latest media releases related to the PBSA sector.
Students not to blame for housing crisis – but more can be done to deliver more purpose-built student accommodation
The Student Accommodation Council has expressed concern at the release of the Institute of Public Affairs report which unfairly tries to blame the international student intake for exacerbating rental supply shortages across the country.
Considering cap to international student numbers alarming
The Student Accommodation Council has today raised the alarm at media reports the Australian University Accord review into Australia’s Higher Education system is seriously considering capping the intake of international students.
Property Council welcomes landmark review of the Australian migration system
The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the Review of the Migration System report and the reform recommendations announced by the government as a crucial first step in fixing a broken migration system.
Student Accommodation Division Council
Comprising 14 members from across the industry, the Student Accommodation Division Council directs the Division's strategy and activity in line with the National Board's vision.
The role of our Division Council is to best represent the interests of all members across the Student Accommodation sector. Council members are nominated by industry peers and elected for a two year term, with the President also securing a position on the National Board. Division Councils are responsible for driving the Property Council’s agenda specific to the Division, and leveraging the Property Council’s campaigns and initiatives to achieve targeted results. The Division Council meets monthly and the current representatives commenced their tenure in April 2023.
Not a member yet?
We welcome membership from organisations who own, build, invest in or manage purpose-built student accommodation.
Awards
For almost 40 years, the Property Council of Australia has hosted the industry’s most prestigious awards. As champions of our industry we celebrate and reward excellence. Winning a Property Council award means truly being at the top of your game.
Innovation & Excellence Awards
The annual Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards are the most prominent property awards in Australia, promoting excellence in design and innovation in the built environment since 1982.
Upcoming Academy courses
Comprising workshops, online learning and industry diploma courses, our Academy provides the resources to enhance the professional lives of our members. It's a professional development platform with something for everyone.
Latest news
View the latest news related to the PBSA sector.
Student accommodation needs a ‘urgent injection of supply’
The purpose-built accommodation sector is at capacity all around the country, and as we welcome more international students, more must be done to increase supply, according to experts.
Supply of student accommodation not keeping up with demand
A new report by CBRE has found that even with a seven per cent uplift in supply, the demand for student accommodation remains unmet.
Brisbane City Council paves the way for further Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
The Brisbane City Council (BCC) has reviewed how infrastructure charges are calculated for rooming accommodation and student accommodation developments.
Our members
