Statistics unveiled by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) set alarm bells ringing and found property professionals bracing themselves for a dip in occupancy rates and rental income as the figures revealed that the number of applications to UK universities decreased by 7.7%.
In response to the announcement by UCAS, investors, landlords and the media have concentrated on the number of applications to universities. However, The Mistoria Group believe they should be analysing the number of applicants instead.
An applicant can apply for several places at various universities and whilst the number of places being applied for has decreased, the number of people applying is on the up; it has continued to grow year after year with an average increase of 6% over the last 5 years.
Tracey Jones, Senior Manager of Marketing & Business Development at The Mistoria Group explains “The numbers of applications are down but this doesn’t represent the whole picture. These figures depict applications, not the number of applicants or available places. Research shows that each year university fees have risen, the numbers of applications have reduced – only to return to normal levels later”.
Tracey added: ‘The increase in university fees and the reduction of places available has been widely reported but it is the applicant figures that are most interesting. There are some universities in the North West, such as the University of Liverpool, that have eight applicants fighting to secure just one place. This demonstrates that there is still very much a demand for university places’.
If you are a potential investor, you can contact Mistoria Group on 0800 500 3015