Universities, however, were described as taking a more cautious approach early in the cycle. Lister said some institutions were delaying or pausing renewals and take-up under nominations agreements, with nominations currently sitting at 56%. He attributed the hesitancy to financial pressures on universities and a reluctance to take on risk before the UCAS window closes, to avoid paying for unfilled rooms. Unite said it expects demand for beds under these arrangements to pick up over the next few months as u ...

Britain's largest student accommodation provider, Unite Group Plc, has seen its share price fall to its lowest level in more than ten years after issuing a stark outlook for the coming year. ...

The UK's competition authority cleared student accommodation developer Unite Group's 634 million pound ($839.48 million) acquisition of smaller rival Empiric Student Property on Thursday. ...

Transaction Overview - Unite Students is acquiring Empiric Student Property through a cash and share offer of 94.2 pence per Empiric share[6] - The offer consists of 0.085 new Unite shares and 32 pence in cash for each Empiric share[6] - The combined portfolio will have a value of £7.4 billion with 75,000 beds[6] - Empiric shareholders will own 10% of the enlarged Unite Group upon completion[34] Financial Benefits and Synergies - The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings and shareholder returns from the second year onwards[6] - £13.7 million in cost synergies are expected to be unlocked through Unite's operating platform[6] - The acquisition is expected to deliver a low double-digit unlevered IRR ahead of Unite's cost of capital, supporting total accounting returns of approximately 10% per annum[6] - Approximately 55% of the £13.7 million annual run-rate benefit is expected to be realized in the first full year following completion[21, 80] Portfolio and Market Expansion - The combined portfolio will include 75,000 beds across 30 cities[11] - The acquisition allows Unite to enter two new Russell Group cities: Exeter and York[11] - The acquisition provides immediate scale in the Returner market, acquiring approximately 20% below replacement cost[18] Financial Position - Pro forma loan to value (LTV) is expected to be 29%[23] - Empiric's H1 2025 EPRA earnings were £14.3 million[26]

Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing demand for student accommodation in Melbourne as international students prepare for their studies in Australia, emphasizing the importance of securing suitable housing before arrival [1][10]. Group 1: Accommodation Options - Iglu is a well-known student accommodation brand in Australia, offering four main projects in Melbourne: Iglu Melbourne Central, Iglu Melbourne City, Iglu Flagstaff Gardens, and Iglu South Yarra, catering to various universities and student needs [1][13]. - Iglu Melbourne Central is strategically located in the CBD, within walking distance to RMIT and Melbourne University, featuring modern amenities that support students' academic and social needs [3]. - Iglu Melbourne City is a mature project favored by upper-year students, providing a stable living environment with a focus on quietness and order, ideal for those facing academic pressures [5]. - Iglu Flagstaff Gardens offers a tranquil setting near Melbourne University, combining accessibility to public transport with a peaceful atmosphere, suitable for students prioritizing a conducive study environment [7]. - Iglu South Yarra is recommended for Monash University Caulfield students, providing a cost-effective option with convenient transport links and a vibrant local community [9]. Group 2: Booking and Services - As new students prepare to arrive, Iglu's properties are entering a peak booking period, with popular room types often fully booked in advance, highlighting the urgency for prospective tenants to secure accommodations [10]. - Iglu operates on an all-inclusive pricing model, covering utilities, internet, furniture, and maintenance, which simplifies the rental process for new arrivals [11]. - The accommodations feature 24-hour security, front desk management, and regular social and cultural events, facilitating a smooth transition for students into their new environment [13].

Group 1 - The core message emphasizes the importance of early booking for student accommodation in Australia, particularly for the second semester of 2025, as Iglu apartments have opened applications for this period [1][3]. - The competitive nature of the accommodation market in popular study cities like Sydney and Melbourne is highlighted, with a recommendation to apply early to secure preferred housing options and better pricing [3][6]. - Iglu offers a variety of room types to cater to different student needs, including private rooms for those seeking solitude and shared accommodations for budget-conscious students [6][8]. Group 2 - Iglu Central Park and Iglu Melbourne Central are noted as prime locations in the CBD areas of Sydney and Melbourne, providing easy access to major universities and urban amenities [5][6]. - Other Iglu properties, such as Iglu Summer Hill, Iglu Chatswood, and Iglu Mascot, are presented as high-value alternatives located in convenient areas with lower rental costs compared to CBD options, making them ideal for students looking to save money without compromising on quality [8][10]. - The overall message encourages students to take action now to secure their accommodation for a smooth transition into their study life in Australia, as the best options are likely to be taken quickly [10].