This report provides an overview of the student accommodation market in Ireland. This includes an analysis of the supply of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the State and the demand for accommodation.
At the end of 2025, the total stock of PBSA in the State totalled 47,600 beds. The development of PBSA slowed in recent years reflecting viability concerns and market uncertainty, while in contrast the number of students in full-time third level education increased. This widened the gap between the supply of and demand for accommodation.
These shortages are seen across Dublin, the South-West, Mid-West and West regions which incorporate the regional centres of Cork, Galway and Limerick. Student to bed ratios across these locations ranged between 1.3 and 2.7 at the end of the year. Construction activity in the sector remains limited with approximately 2,600 beds under construction suggesting that shortages look set to increase in the short term.
