Go-ahead for one of world’s tallest student skyscrapers in Stratford

The tower’s approval comes amid a desperate shortage of student housing in the capital, with Unite warning that its properties are already 86% reserved, tracking close to last year when its properties were entirely full by the start of term. That comes despite it charging 6% more for rents, ahead of inflation. The FTSE 100 firm has said that the exit of many HMO landlords, leading to a “chronic under-supply”, in the sector, has helped to prop up student rents. Without the rise, it’s properties would likely have filled up even sooner.