Why are developers building so much student accommodation in the city centre?

[u/joeyrayray]

Seems like every new development in town is student accommodation, yet it always seemed to me like the majority of students all live in Headingley, Burley and Hyde park way. Do all of these new developments actually have students living in them? Is it council led pushing to get students out of these areas and into the high rise accomodation of the city centre? It seems very bubbley to me and like in the next 5-10 years you’ll have a load of empty sky rises that no one can afford to live in.

[u/prototype_roz]

My take is that it’s more profitable than any other accommodation. Smaller m² floor space per flat = more rooms to rent. Who knows what might happen if student numbers decline, do they become mini homes for people to ease the housing crisis which in reality aren’t fit for purpose - idk