The number of student houses has fallen by more than 600 in the last three years, according to official figures from Brighton and Hove City Council.
The recent report estimates there will only be 4,766 student-occupied homes in 2023/2024 compared to 5,400 in 2020/2021.
The figures surfaced as officials reported on the number of households that are expected to pay council tax this next year. The Local Democracy Reporting Service stated that student housing is exempt from council tax.
The drop in student homes is recognised due to an increase in the number of residence halls being built around the city.
The report stated to the council’s policy and resources committee, “The universities have a significant increase in units on campus either completed or in progress, as well as a number of private sector student halls of residence.”
It predicts that the number of properties solely occupied by students will continue to fall if the development of residence halls around the city continues. More student housing is also expected to be built in the 2024/2025 financial year.
A Brighton developer has also submitted a proposal to build 566 student rooms consisting of four blocks, one of them being 15 storeys high.
The plans will cost £150 million and take place at Moulsecoomb Place behind an old manor house.
It will knock down the current student blocks, which were built in the 1990s. Currently, the space can house 163 students at the University of Brighton.
The scheme will be developed by Cathedral (Moulsecoomb) Advisory LLP, and it also entails plans to build an extension which will link the manor house to the tithe barn.
The developer also said that plans for the new student housing blocks include a student gym and well-being studio, and the blocks will be managed 24 hours a day.
The company said: “Brighton has a shortfall of over 4,000 student bedrooms which is taking too many affordable homes away from families.
“These proposals will go some way to addressing that shortfall, putting student bedrooms in the heart of a university campus rather than taking land in residential and commercial areas. In turn, this will lead to a release of affordable family homes in the city.”
