Student Housing Surge in Hong Kong: Building the Future of Education Hubs

Wednesday, 16 October 2024, 06:14

Student housing in Hong Kong is projected to see a massive increase in demand as the city evolves into a leading education hub. Analysts forecast that demand will outstrip supply significantly by 2028. With strategic initiatives like Northern Metropolis University Town and increased accommodation strategies, the city aims to attract a growing population of international students.
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Student Housing Surge in Hong Kong: Building the Future of Education Hubs

Student Housing Demand in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's drive to become a global education hub is set to significantly boost student housing requirements, with analysts estimating demand to exceed 175,000 beds by 2028, far surpassing the mere 55,000 available.

Government Initiatives to Stimulate Supply

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in a recent policy address, mentioned “Studying in Hong Kong” as a flagship initiative to attract international student populations. Additionally, plans for the Northern Metropolis University Town are underway, expanding the site to 80 hectares.

  • Increased conversion of hotels into student accommodation
  • Short-term and long-term solutions being explored
  • Potential for build-to-rent models to address housing shortages

The Future of Student Housing

In light of growing local and international student populations, there is a critical need for substantial development in the student accommodation sector. Colliers' Kathy Lee highlighted the necessity for purposeful planning in urban areas to meet these demands.

  1. Investors should focus on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
  2. Exploration of 'rent-only' development land for student housing
  3. Reassessing land-use allocation for Northern Metropolis

With JLL estimating nearly 1,600 new PBSA spaces by next year, this emerging sector shows promise for long-term growth in Hong Kong’s property landscape.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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