The new National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
To address supply and viability the strategy sets out a balanced approach including: -
• A commitment to long term State-backed measures to activate supply, working in partnership with the private sector.
• The expansion of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme to include traditional universities enabling the sector as a whole to meet demand. This will provide support for the development of accommodation on public campuses as well as on private sites near campus, subject to State Aid clearance.
• The development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to support universities to develop nomination agreements with the private sector.
• The enhanced supply of student beds through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
Viability is further enhanced through
• reductions in VAT on the sale of apartments, including PBSA;
• new rules on market level resetting of rent which also provide three-year protection window in recognition of the unique circumstances faced by students; and
• by Design Standards.
Rent-a-Room accommodation is recognised in the Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035 as a valuable and established part of the overall student accommodation landscape. However, as it depends on the voluntary participation of homeowners, it does not lend itself to the same level of direct targeting as purpose-built student accommodation.
The Government does, however, see clear potential to grow this form of accommodation. A range of measures are already in place to support participation, including the €14,000 tax-free threshold and recent changes to ensure that Rent-a-Room income does not affect eligibility for social welfare supports, social housing, or medical cards. These steps have contributed to increased uptake in recent years.
The Strategy places a strong emphasis on encouraging further participation through targeted communications campaigns and through a greater role for higher education institutions in supporting and promoting Rent-a-Room accommodation. In addition, the Department will undertake research to better understand both the motivations for participation and the barriers that may be limiting further growth, so that any appropriate future measures can be considered.
In terms of protections, given that these arrangements take place within owner-occupied homes and fall outside the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board, a voluntary framework and sample licence agreements have been developed to support both students and homeowners. This approach will continue to be kept under review, informed by ongoing research and engagement.
I can assure you that I keep all aspects of student accommodation policy, including supports and protections for students, under active consideration.
