Spain university residences face high demand and occupancy

University residences in Spain are facing extremely high occupancy rates at the start of the academic year. According to the Consejo de Colegios Mayores Universitarios de España, average occupancy has exceeded 97%, driven by a 16.5% increase in demand compared to the previous year as rising apartment rental costs push students toward residential complexes.

In Granada, the demand is particularly acute, ranking as the fourth highest in the country behind Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. A market study by Atlas Real Estate Analytics indicates a ratio of nearly six students for every available bed in the city. With over 34,000 beds in demand and only 5,885 operational positions, the city faces a significant shortage, though approximately 1,102 more beds are projected for the coming years.

In the Murcia region, demand is also rising due to the privacy and services offered by residences, despite a 3.17% increase in monthly fees. Prices vary significantly by location and type; in Murcia, monthly rates range from 950 to 1,250 euros for premium options, while in Granada, individual rooms can cost around 700 euros plus half-board, with shared rooms starting near 300 euros.