Unite maintains FY26 outlook, 95pc of beds now sold

17th Sep 2026 10:21

(Sharecast News) - Student accommodation provider Unite Group said on Thursday that 95% of its beds were now reserved for the 2026/27 academic year, as it delivered a trading update ahead of the new university term and reiterated full‑year earnings guidance.

Unite said like‑for‑like income growth was expected to land between 0.5% and 1.0%, supported by slightly higher occupancy and broadly flat rents. Guidance for adjusted earnings per share of 41.5p to 43.0p for FY2026 was maintained.

The FTSE 250-listed firm said demand remained robust, with UK universities increasing undergraduate acceptances by 1%, and high‑tariff institutions up 6%. Across its estate, 54% of beds have been let to universities under nomination agreements and 41% through direct‑let sales. Since A‑Level results, Unite has secured nominations for an additional 400 beds.

Its Empiric‑owned Hello Student portfolio continued to outperform, with 91% of beds reserved, up from 84% last year, and occupancy expected to reach 92% in the coming weeks.

Unite also confirmed its 719‑bed Hawthorne House development in Stratford was fully let for 2026/27 following regulatory approval, with half the beds under a long‑term nomination agreement with the University of the Arts London.

As of 1100 BST, Unite shares were down 2.80% at 472.20p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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