From Occupancy to Experience: What’s Next for PBSA

Description

What does the next phase of UK student housing look like when student expectations, affordability pressures, and market volatility are all shifting at once? In this episode, Zara McGeiver of PFP Students joins host Philip Hillman to explore how operators can balance commercial performance with purpose-led student experience.

They discuss why student housing is moving beyond product and amenities, how late booking behaviour and affordability are changing sales strategies, and why community, authenticity, and onsite support now matter more than ever. From AI-enabled operations to new accommodation models, this episode looks at how PBSA must adapt to a more complex student landscape.

What’s the episode about?

Listen in for insight into:

Why student expectations are shifting from rooms to experience
How affordability and later booking behaviour are reshaping PBSA demand
Why community, wellbeing, and onsite teams are central to student success
The role of AI in improving student journeys and operational efficiency
Why amenities alone are not enough without authentic engagement
How investor confidence in PBSA is evolving in a mature market
The potential rise of commuter students, subscription models, and simpler design
What the next 5–10 years could look like for UK student accommodation

About Our Guests

Zara McGeiver

Zara McGeiver is Head of Sales and Marketing at PFP Students, part of Places for People. With deep experience across PBSA operators including Vita Student, Homes for Students, Dwell Student, and StudentCrowd, Zara brings a sharp commercial and student-first perspective to the future of UK student accommodation.

Philip Hillman

Philip Hillman is a Senior Consultant at QX Global Group and one of the earliest advisors to the UK’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation sector. With over 35 years in real estate and leadership roles at JLL, Philip has helped shape the sector through landmark transactions and strategic advisory.