Student housing has been termed a “defensive investment” because demand is consistent in good times and bad, says Candlebrook Properties president Neil Rubler. In fact, in down markets, investment can even increase as people go back to school to complete or further their education. But that term doesn’t tell the whole story.
Multifamily investment yields have compressed in recent years so investors are turning to alternatives–like student housing, which is shining. It’s no longer much of a niche market, Neil says. Investors like the stability: rent growth is steady, demand is consistent.
There was a fair degree of multifamily development from 2013 to 2015, but so far in the first quarter of 2016, new construction has trailed off a bit. Demand for student housing seems to be following similar trends.
Neil says that though the luxury resort-style communities are in no danger of vanishing, developers will ultimately build what the market demands, including more economical product types.
Meet Neil and other student housing industry experts at Bisnow's Student Housing event on June 14. Buy your tickets here.
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