Unite Group, the UK’s largest owner of student accommodation, said that it has 10,256 flats for delivery between 2008 and 2010. The Times. Financial Times

This represents a rise of 32% from its 2006 year-end.

Unite plans to double rental income from its property portfolio over the next five years to increase its foothold in the £4.6bn a year student housing market.

In a trading statement ahead of its AGM, Unite said it will have 40,000 bedrooms to let to students when freshers arrive in September, representing 40% of the managed sector and 4% of the overall student housing market.

Projects totalling £241m are scheduled for completion this year and are targeted at the estimated 100,000 first-year students who cannot find space in university halls of residence.