Ireland’s major cities are facing a significant shortfall in student accommodation, with a deficit of at least 38,900 bed spaces at the end of , according to a report released by Sherry FitzGerald, Ireland’s largest estate agent.
The shortage is most acute in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. Sherry FitzGerald’s analysis indicates that Dublin alone requires an additional 38,900 beds to meet current demand, assuming all students originating outside the city need accommodation. This figure rises to 53,000 if a wider commutable distance – encompassing counties Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow – is considered.
The crisis in student housing is not limited to the capital. The report highlights supply shortages across the country, with student-to-bed ratios ranging from 1.3 to 2.5 in the South-West, Mid-West, and West regions, which include Cork, Limerick, and Galway. This means that, on average, between 1.3, and 2.5 students are competing for each available bed space in these areas.
The current supply of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across the State stands at 47,600 bed spaces, while the number of full-time students in Higher Education Authority (HEA)-registered third-level institutes for the academic year is 215,585. This disparity underscores the growing pressure on the student housing market.
Jean Behan, Senior Economist and Head of Research at Sherry FitzGerald, attributes the shortfall to a confluence of factors. In the past few years, elevated construction and borrowing costs impacted the viability of PBSA developments, which coupled with uncertainty, reduced development activity at a time when student numbers were growing,
she stated. This has created a widening gap between the demand for and supply of student accommodation, placing additional strain on the private rental market.
The lack of new development is particularly concerning given the projected increase in student numbers. Sherry FitzGerald analysts predict that demand for additional bed spaces in Dublin, the South-West, Mid-West, and West regions could increase by between 9,900 and 11,700 by , based on population figures from the Central Statistics Office.
While planning permission has been granted for approximately 13,800 new student beds, a significant portion – over a third – are currently on hold. Sherry FitzGerald described this situation as concerning
given the escalating demand. The pause in development activity suggests that financial and logistical hurdles are preventing projects from moving forward, despite official approvals.
The current construction pipeline offers limited immediate relief. Approximately 2,600 student beds are currently under construction across the country, a figure insufficient to address the existing 38,900-bed deficit. This suggests that the shortage will likely persist in the medium term, continuing to impact students and the broader rental market.
The student-to-bed space ratio in Dublin is currently 2.7, meaning 2.7 students are competing for each bed. This ratio improves to 2.0 when considering a wider commuting radius. The situation highlights the challenges faced by students seeking affordable and accessible accommodation in Ireland’s major urban centers.
The pressures on the student accommodation market are likely to have broader economic consequences. Increased competition for limited housing stock can drive up rental prices, impacting both students and other renters. The shortage may also deter prospective students from choosing Irish universities, potentially affecting the country’s reputation as a destination for higher education.
The report from Sherry FitzGerald underscores the urgent need for increased investment in purpose-built student accommodation and a review of the factors hindering development. Addressing the shortfall will require a collaborative effort between government, developers, and educational institutions to ensure that sufficient, affordable housing is available for students across Ireland.
