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Our history

We became the UK’s first purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provider in 1991 and have grown into the country’s leading student accommodation provider.

Key milestones

  • 2026
  • 2025
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2020
  • 2017
  • 2015
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2006
  • 2000
  • 1999
  • 1998
  • 1992
  • 1991

  • 2026

     Acquired Hello Student (Empiric Property Services plc).

    Partnered with Manchester Met in a joint venture.

  • 2025

    Partnered with Newcastle University in a joint venture

    Signed the Care Leavers Covenant

  • 2021

    Launched our goal to become net-zero carbon in building, developments and operations by 2030.

    Hayloft Point Solar Panels

  • 2020

    Launched the first Applicant Index report

    Launched our Unite Group learning academy

    Unite Students 2024 Applicant Index

  • 2020

    Acquired Liberty Living

    Supported students through the Covid pandemic with a £100m rent rebate 

  • 2017

    Unite Group converted to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).  

     

  • 2015

    Became the PBSA sector’s first Real Living Wage employer. 

  • 2013

    Launched our Unite Students’ wellbeing programme.

  • 2012

    Created the London Student Accommodation Vehicle (LSAV), a 50-50 joint venture with Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC. 

    Launched the Unite Foundation, providing scholarships for students lacking family support, including free accommodation and living expense contributions.

  • 2006

    Formed Unite UK Student Accommodation Fund (USAF), Europe’s largest unlisted specialist student accommodation fund.  

  • 2000

    Listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

  • 1999

    Listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

  • 1998

    Opened our first London property. 

  • 1992

    Opened our first property in Bristol.

     

  • 1991

    Unite Group founded in Bristol.