Student Rentals for Expats? This Market Is Booming Fast 2025

REAL ESTATE4 weeks ago

In recent years, student housing has taken on a new role in the global rental market. Traditionally reserved for local and international students, student rentals are now becoming a top choice for expats, digital nomads, and young professionals. With affordable pricing, flexible lease terms, and built-in communities, these rental options are becoming a growing trend across major cities worldwide.

This article explores why expats are increasingly choosing student accommodations and how this niche is turning into a booming market.

A New Type of Renter: The Global Expat

The image of the typical expat has changed. Today’s expats are not just older professionals on corporate assignments. More often, they are younger individuals in their 20s or 30s, moving abroad for study, freelance work, or remote jobs.

These modern expats need flexible and budget-friendly housing, especially in expensive cities. That’s where student rentals come in.

Student housing offers many advantages that fit perfectly with the expat lifestyle:

Fully furnished rooms
Short-term leases
All-inclusive pricing (utilities, internet, etc.)
A ready-made social environment

“Student accommodations are no longer just for students,” says Maria Evans, a rental market analyst in Berlin. “They are becoming a lifestyle choice for mobile young adults, especially expats.”

Cities Leading the Trend

Major cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Lisbon, London, and Barcelona are seeing a rise in expats choosing student rentals. These urban centers are already popular with both students and global workers, making them ideal spots for this crossover trend.

In the Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam, international expats are turning to student housing providers like The Student Hotel (now The Social Hub), which offers stylish rooms and co-working spaces. These hybrid models mix student living with hotel-like services.

Germany has seen a rise in expats renting student flats through providers like Uninest and Urbanum, where the focus is on community, shared spaces, and affordability.

Portugal, a top destination for digital nomads, has also adapted, with student housing companies like Collegiate and Smart Studios offering short- and long-term stays for non-students.

Why Student Rentals Appeal to Expats

There are several key reasons why expats find student rentals so attractive:

1. All-Inclusive and Hassle-Free

Most student rentals come fully furnished and include bills in the monthly rent. For expats unfamiliar with local utility providers, contracts, and furniture shopping, this saves time and stress.

2. Flexible Lease Terms

Traditional rental agreements often require long commitments (12 months or more), deposits, and credit history. Student housing typically allows shorter contracts and simpler paperwork, which is perfect for people who move often or plan to stay only a few months.

3. Community and Networking

One of the hardest parts of moving to a new country is making friends. Student rentals often provide communal kitchens, events, and lounges, giving expats a social base from day one.

4. Central Locations

Student residences are often located near city centers or universities, offering easy access to transportation, workspaces, and entertainment.

5. Digital-First Booking

Many student housing providers now offer online applications, virtual tours, and customer service in English. This makes the process easier for international renters who are planning their move from abroad.

Student Housing Companies Are Taking Notice

Housing companies are quickly adjusting to this shift in demand. Some are even rebranding their properties to appeal to both students and young professionals. Co-living spaces and hybrid residences are now offering more privacy, premium amenities, and professional networking events.

For example:

The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) offers packages for both students and expats.
Quarters and Common have introduced co-living buildings with shared kitchens and private rooms aimed at remote workers and freelancers.
Scape and Unite Students in the UK are marketing more towards international tenants, offering 24/7 support and flexible pricing.

These companies see a new business opportunity in diversifying their tenant base beyond students.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its many benefits, there are also challenges with this model:

Limited Availability: Student housing still gives priority to students. Non-students may only get access during off-peak seasons.
Higher Cost per Square Meter: Compared to traditional rentals, student housing often charges more for convenience and flexibility.
Regulations: In some countries, student accommodations are legally restricted to students, meaning expats must prove enrollment or choose mixed-use housing.

Experts suggest doing thorough research before signing a lease. Websites like HousingAnywhere, Spotahome, and Uniplaces are good starting points for international renters.

The Future: Hybrid Living for a Global Generation

The rise of student rentals for expats reflects a bigger shift in global housing. As remote work and international mobility continue to grow, so does the need for flexible, well-located, and community-based living solutions.

Urban planners and housing providers are starting to invest in hybrid living models that cater to a wide group of people, including students, freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads.

In the next 5–10 years, experts predict we will see:

More co-living spaces in city centers
University-style housing open to non-students
New policies that support mixed-use housing
A global network of smart, modular, tech-friendly rentals

Conclusion

Student rentals are no longer just for students. They’ve become a popular and practical option for expats, especially younger professionals and digital nomads. With the right balance of flexibility, affordability, and community, student housing is proving to be one of the fastest-growing trends in the global rental market.