Student housing challenges persist in June 2026
The latest Matrix Student Housing National Report for June 2026 finds that preleasing for student housing remains slightly ahead of last year’s pace. Reaching 78% in May, leasing activity "will need to remain strong through the summer" in order to match the 93% to 96% occupancy levels recorded in the past few years, according to Yardi Matrix.
"While 63% of student housing markets are tracking ahead of last year’s preleasing pace, some universities are falling behind as new supply competes for tenants," the report states.
As for rent, student housing rent costs have increased to an average of $993 per bed in May—up 0.2% from April and 1.7% year-over-year (YOY). This is the ninth consecutive month that rent has risen per bed.
"The consistency is an encouraging sign of stabilization, as rents declined over the summer during the previous two leasing cycles," the report states.
Visit Yardi Matrix to view the full report.
About the Author
Quinn Purcell
Quinn Purcell is the Managing Editor for Building Design+Construction. Covering the building industry for over four years, he has contributed to several award-winning industry reports, physical/digital magazines, and online news coverage. Quinn delivers content ranging from multifamily housing, technology, sustainability, and more.
For BD+C, Quinn runs the brand's 40 Under 40 program, covers product updates monthly, manages a blog partnership with over 50 AEC firms, and writes daily analytic-driven content for the website.