Mainland students shift to purpose-built Hong Kong student housing despite higher rents

Mainland Chinese university students in Hong Kong are increasingly choosing purpose-built student accommodation over traditional private flats, accepting higher rents for convenience, security, and predictable costs. This trend signals a structural shift in Hong Kong's rental demand, potentially pressuring traditional landlords while boosting the PBSA sector. The development is part of an ongoing pattern of mainland student influx, but the specific preference shift is notable.