Student Accommodation Council Executive Director, Dr Adele Lausberg, acknowledged the government's positive actions to create a more stable environment for BTR developments which will help to attract the capital needed to underpin high-quality rentals. However, she encouraged urgent action to extend these settings to PBSA.
"PBSA is a critical housing type that supports NSW's international education sector, one of the largest contributors to the state economy," Dr Lausberg said.
"PBSA operates differently to the general rental market, following academic cycles, with a focus on high-amenity design, pastoral care services, and general student well-being.
"While the BTR tax changes are an encouraging signal for housing investment, excluding Purpose Built Student Accommodation means NSW risks slowing growth in a sector that underpins international education, NSW's largest service export.
"Supporting strong PBSA investment helps students, strengthens the state's global competitiveness, and ultimately helps solve the housing crisis.
"We will keep advocating for PBSA to be included in future reforms so NSW can fully harness the economic and housing benefits this sector delivers."
Ensuring PBSA is recognised within an appropriate regulatory and tax framework would help boost new supply, support international education, and relieve pressure on the wider rental market. This includes extending tax concessions to PBSA, which would send a clear market signal that NSW is committed to meeting the housing needs of both students and NSW citizens.
