UK's Empiric Student sees occupancy dip as Chinese tenants decline (updated)
03/11/2025 07:55
Recasts paragraph 1 with the forecast, adds details on occupancy in paragraphs 2-3 Nov 3 (Reuters) - Empiric Student Property ESP.L, which develops student accommodation, said on Monday it may miss its 97% occupancy target for the academic year 2025/26, due to a drop in the number of Chinese student tenants amid geopolitical woes. The British company reported occupancy of 89% to date, down from 95% a year earlier, as the pace of reservations slowed. Empiric Student Property, which is being acquired by Unite Group UTG.L , said UK domestic students now account for 43% of bookings, up from previous levels, while Chinese students fell to 30%, with the remaining 27% comprising other international students. (Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich) ((RaechelThankam.Job@thomsonreuters.com;))