Unite reiterates FY25 guidance following 'continued momentum'

(Sharecast News) - Student accommodation provider Unite reiterated its FY25 guidance for adjusted EPRA earnings per share of 47.5p to 48.25p on Tuesday as it said it had seen "continuing momentum", with 85% of beds sold for the 2025/26 academic year. Unite said the outlook for student demand was "strong", with 2% growth in applications from UK 18-year-olds and student visa applications up 29% over the first five months of the year.

The FTSE 100-listed firm said this had translated into improving momentum in sales for its accommodation and said demand from universities remained "strong", resulting in nomination agreements for 56% of beds for the 2025/26 academic year.

Unite also noted that it expects "a later sales cycle", in line with historical trends, supported by "strong demand" from UK students following A-Level results in mid-August and from international students during September. It also noted that sales to date supported rental growth of 4-5% for the 2025/26 academic year and said it continues to target occupancy of 97-98%.

Chief executive Joe Lister said: "Student numbers are expected to increase for the 2025/26 academic year due to a growing UK 18-year-old population and improving trends in international student recruitment. Sales momentum has picked up in recent weeks, in-line with our expectations for a later sales cycle, and we continue to target occupancy of at least 97%. Demand for our accommodation remains underpinned by our alignment to the UK's strongest universities and nomination agreements with our university partners."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com