8th Jul 2026 10:40
(Alliance News) - Unite Group PLC on Wednesday backed guidance as it reported "strong progress" in reservations and said disposal plans were on target.
The Bristol-based student accommodation provider said it expects 94% to 96% occupancy and 1% to 2% rental growth for the 2026/27 academic year, with like-for-like income growth of 0% to 2%.
Around 86% of Unite beds have been reserved for 2026/27 academic year, up from 85% a year ago, with 71% of Empiric beds reserved, rising on-year from 61%.
Unite said cost synergies from the acquisition of Empiric Student Property PLC, which was completed in January, are "on track".
"We have seen strong progress in reservations for the 2026/27 academic year since our last update in May. This reflects our strong direct marketing and sales performance together with targeted adjustments to pricing in selected markets," said Chief Executive Joe Lister.
Unite reiterated guidance for full-year adjusted earnings per share of 41.5 pence to 43.0p, down from 47.5p in 2025, and said it is confident in delivering GBP300 million to GBP400 million of disposals in 2026.
Unite shares fell 2.0% to 509.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London.
By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter
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