Bath has emerged as one of the UK’s most challenging cities for student housing, with demand surpassing even London, according to a recent study. The report reveals that in the 2026-2027 letting cycle, there will be approximately 1,699 online searches for every available student property in Bath, placing it as the second most competitive student housing market nationwide.
This surge in demand is driven by a significant increase in student numbers combined with a restricted housing supply. The University of Bath has seen its student population grow by over 3,000 between 2018 and 2024, representing an 18% increase. Compounding the issue, Bath’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the presence of green belt protections limit the potential for new student accommodation developments.
Phil Greaves, CEO of UniHomes, commented on the situation: “Searching for accommodation during a busy academic year is stressful for students. Being aware of the competitive local housing market empowers students to act swiftly and secure the best housing options while alleviating concerns if finding a home proves difficult.”
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Popular neighborhoods for student accommodation searches in Bath include Oldfield Park, Twerton, and the city center, reflecting where demand is most concentrated.
In response to the housing crunch, Bath and North East Somerset Council recently approved the construction of 900 new student flats on the University of Bath’s Claverton Down campus, aiming to ease the strain on private rentals. Additionally, Bath Spa University is pursuing planning permission for a new creative hub adjacent to its Locksbrook Campus that will incorporate student accommodation.
UniHomes’ findings were drawn from a comprehensive analysis of three years of student property search data along with Google search volumes to forecast demand. Liverpool tops the list with 2,525 searches per property, marking it as the most competitive market. Bristol, Bath’s neighboring city, ranks eighth with 661 searches per property, trailing behind Bath and London in the intensity of demand.
As the demand for student housing faces increasing pressure, both developing additional campus accommodation and understanding local market dynamics are essential steps to support students in securing housing efficiently and with less stress.