Amber’s Market Snaps: Market Occupancy (Sept Wk 1) & UK Study Visa Clearance (Aug‘25)

As the UK student housing market approaches the end of the peak intake 2025-26 academic season, new insights from amber Radar shed light on a shifting demand landscape shaped by international sponsored study visa approvals, market occupancy trends, and pricing insights.

Amber actively analyzes pricing trends and booking patterns to assist property operators in increasing occupancy levels. While each UK city is dynamic in itself, the overall UK occupancy is nearing last year’s levels.

Read on for insights into UK-sponsored visa clearances (August 2025), market occupancy across top UK cities (September 2025 Week 1), and pricing updates.

YTD ‘25 UK Study Visa Clearance Up as of August 2025

According to the latest GOV.UK update, UK-sponsored study visa clearances for main applicants in August 2025 show a positive overall trend this year. As of August 2025, a +6.89% increase in visa clearances has been observed as compared to the same period in 2024, increasing from 278,700 to 297,900.

While early 2025 saw strong growth, especially in February (+75.68%), March (+64.58%), and April (+54.17%), the traditionally critical August intake is down by -1.48%, following a +5.76% increase in July 2025 YoY.

As of 11th September 2025, following the UCAS A-Level Results, the acceptance data by UCAS also shows a positive trend for both domestic and international students. UK domestic 18-year-old acceptances have reached a record high this year at 255,130, up by 4.7% compared to last year. On the international front, 52,640 students are currently placed, marking a +2.9% increase in international student placements compared to 2024.

For the full analysis of the August 2025 UK PBSA market by amber, you can read the blog covering insights on demand, occupancy, pricing, UCAS data, and visa shifts.

UK’s PBSA Market Occupancy Surpasses 90% in Sep’25

Amber Occupancy Index (AOI) is amber’s market intelligence mechanism that tracks live market movements, analysing current occupancy levels against the total available beds across the top high-demand UK university cities. On UCAS A-Level Results 2025 day, the UK’s overall market occupancy stood at 82.43%.

As of 8th September 2025, the occupancy level stands at 90.46%. In the first week of September 2025, the UK’s overall occupancy increased from 89.84% on 31 August 31 to 90.46% by 8 September, marking a +0.62 percentage point increase in just one week. This is a strong sign of last-minute bookings gaining momentum post-UCAS results.

Leading the charge in week-over-week occupancy growth are Leeds, up by +2.33%, Sheffield, climbing by +2.14% and London by +1.64%.

Some cities have already crossed the 90% market occupancy, nearing full capacity as we reach the end of the peak 2025-26 booking season in the UK. Manchester (95.52%), Liverpool (91.98%), Newcastle (90.46%) cross 90% occupancy levels while London (89.19%), Leeds (86.53%), Birmingham (89.5%), and Coventry (85.95%) trail closer to the 90% occupancy mark.

How Critical is Rental Pricing for UK’s Overall PBSA Market Occupancy?

Launch prices for the AY2025-26 stood higher than last year, causing a slight delay in market occupancy. While policy shifts and study visa clearances also affect UK domestic or international students choosing the UK as a higher education destination, rental prices may also cause shifts in booking behaviours.

Amber attributes the slower YoY occupancy growth (down 3% vs. 2024 levels currently) to a ~4% increase in rental prices, possibly causing delayed bookings among students. Operators are reportedly responding with last-minute discounts to fill remaining beds, a trend that may continue in the coming weeks to boost occupancy levels and cover vacancies.

On amber’s platform, students browse for PBSAs as their student accommodations in multiple cities across different countries with several room type options available. Amber has observed that while students often look for options but don’t book right away, once they decide, they tend to book quickly. Amber supports students through the booking process and closely monitors changing student behavior to help operators get crucial insights.

This reveals a critical insight: rental pricing becomes a crucial factor in reaching optimal occupancy levels in high-demand UK cities. This underscores the need for real-time, data-backed pricing strategies, especially for operators aiming to maximize occupancy and optimize revenue.