Edinburgh's student housing crisis worsens as rents soar

Edinburgh students are facing a severe housing crisis as private rents continue to rocket, according to a report by the student social enterprise Slurp.  

Its annual survey found that the average monthly rent for a shared private student home in Edinburgh has risen by 10.4% to £690.36. 

However, private halls of residence have seen a staggering 64% increase, reaching an average of £1,028 per month. 

The group, which aims to tackle homelessness in the city, says that the costs of Edinburgh's rent should be reflected with a higher student loan to pay rent. 

These figures coincide with a broader trend of rising rents across Scotland.  

The Scottish government revealed this week that there has been a 104% increase in the rent of a two-bedroom home in the Lothian area - which includes Edinburgh - since 2010. 

Students worry about where they will live 

Slurp's findings highlight that nearly three in five students in Edinburgh are worrying about where they will live next year. 

The organisation’s Noah Brown told the radio station LBC that rising rents are a major issue for students. 

He said that rent accounts for 85% of a student loan - while those heading to private halls are seeing rent account for 126.9% of the loan. 

Mr Brown said that he supports the introduction of an 'Edinburgh adjustment' that would see students in the city receive a higher maintenance loan - similar to what students in London enjoy. 

Scottish Government must consider students 

Mr Brown also told LBC that the Scottish Government must consider students and rising rents when debating the new Housing (Scotland) Bill - which will bring in rent controls. 

He added that private student landlords in the city are increasing student property rents because the students have 'no other choice'. 

Slurp's report also highlights that 11.8% of respondents are 'very worried' about finding somewhere to live next year. 

While 47.4% say they are 'slightly worried'. 

The survey also coincides with recent findings from the National Union of Students in Scotland which found that a third of students struggle to pay rent. 

Also, 91% of those who struggled had sought financial support. 

Student housing landscape in Scotland  

The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "The student housing landscape in Scotland is undergoing significant change. 

"This shift coincides with landlords seeing their costs rising and stricter regulations - which will worsen should Scotland reintroduce rent caps." 

He added: "However, this presents both challenges and opportunities for landlords.  

"To thrive in this evolving market, student landlords in Edinburgh and across Scotland need to be aware of the changing needs of students and be prepared to adapt their offerings accordingly."