Unite Group holds FY outlook despite softer rental growth

(Sharecast News) - Student accommodation provider Unite Group said on Wednesday that 95.2% of beds for the 2025/26 academic year were now sold, down from 97.5% at the same time a year earlier. Unite also said sales to date had delivered rental growth of 4%, down from 8% in the prior year.

Nonetheless, the FTSE 250-listed group reiterated its forecast for FY25 adjusted earnings per share of 47.5p to 48.25p, citing strong demand and portfolio performance.

Unite said its USAF portfolio was valued at £2.85bn, unchanged over the quarter but up 1.4% year-to-date, while LSAV assets rose 0.4% in the quarter to £2.11bn, marking a 1.9% increase year-to-date.

It also added that its proposed acquisition of Empiric Student Property remained on track, with completion expected in Q226, subject to regulatory approvals.

Chief executive Joe Lister said: "We have sold 95% of beds and delivered rental growth of 4.0%. While this is slightly below our target, we saw a strong clearing period, which has contributed to our outperformance of the wider PBSA sector. Looking ahead, the outlook remains robust, underpinned by growing demand from school leavers and stabilising international admissions.

"Our continued focus on affordability and quality continues to resonate with students and universities. At the same time, our portfolio is increasingly aligned to high-tariff institutions, which continue to attract a growing share of student demand."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com