Housing

Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing students across Greater Manchester.

We’re working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), universities and housing partners to help create a housing system that works better for all students.

The Challenge

Rising rents, limited availability and increasing living costs are making it harder for students to find suitable accommodation, leaving many with little choice but to accept sub-par conditions.

The impact of this extends far beyond just where students live. It can shape employment choices, academic performance, mental and physical health and graduate retention in the city.

GMSP will soon publish a full report exploring student housing statistics in greater detail.

What We Want

We want every student to have access to housing that is affordable, safe, good quality, secure and close to where they study.

We support measures that improve housing standards and strengthen students’ rights, including Greater Manchester’s Good Landlord Charter.

What We’re Doing

In April 2026, we published Towards a Housing Utopia, setting out radical but realistic recommendations to improve student housing across Greater Manchester.

We also worked closely with the Good Landlord Charter Implementation Unit to develop criteria for its new upcoming student accommodation framework.

We want to see all student accommodation providers become members of the Charter, building on support shown by The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students.

We’ll continue working with the GMCA, universities, students’ unions and housing providers to ensure student voices are at the centre of housing policy across Greater Manchester.