Yet new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development has not kept pace, and the shortfall is now a structural constraint on higher education growth. The retreat has not been driven by a lack of interest in student housing as an asset class. Reform of rent controls, and the recognition that student housing is a distinct asset class, is also welcome. If the policy objective is to increase student housing delivery, a small adjustment would help achieve it while preserving student protections. Allow schemes to reset rents at the start of the academic year for new tenancies, with an initial reset from the 2026 to 2027 intake.

Source: The Irish Times December 15, 2025 16:35 UTC