Should I buy Unite Group stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of Unite Group for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the UK trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Unite Group.

What is Unite Group?

How much is Unite Group stock?

The price of Unite Group stock is rising this week. The current share price stands at 820.50p, up by 7.00p (+0.86%) in the last 24 hours, although it is down 3.70% over the past week. Unite Group’s market capitalisation is £4.20 billion, with an average daily trading volume of 1.14 million shares over the last three months. The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 8.55 and offers a dividend yield of 4.40%. With a beta of 1.13, Unite Group shows moderate volatility and may present notable investment opportunities for investors focused on the UK property sector.

Our full analysis of the Unite Group stock

After a rigorous review of Unite Group’s latest annual results and its share performance trajectory over the past three years, we have harnessed a breadth of analytical resources—merging financial metrics, technical signals, market data, and peer benchmarking via our proprietary models. This comprehensive approach reveals compelling patterns for both the near- and long-term. So, why might Unite Group stock once again become a strategic entry point into the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

Unite Group stock is trading at 820.50p as of early July 2025, after advancing 7.00p (+0.86%) intraday, though still down 3.7% over the past week. The past twelve months have been marked by moderate volatility (–9.49% year-on-year), yet recent performance has stabilised, with a modest six-month gain of +0.8%. This stability comes amid a backdrop of strong business results and positive sectoral dynamics. With a £4.2 billion market capitalisation and robust demand for student accommodation, the company continues to attract the attention of both institutional and retail investors. Notably, UK universities have seen a 2% rise in applications for 2025/26, while the company’s near 98% occupancy rate dramatically exceeds the sector average. In a market marked by chronic supply shortfalls and a supportive regulatory climate for education and housing, Unite Group is well-positioned for continued growth.

Technical analysis

Technical indicators point to a favourable outlook. The 14-day RSI at 39.06 sits just above oversold territory, suggesting that recent price pressure may be abating and a reversal could be on the horizon. The MACD, at 0.65, is issuing a buy signal, aligning with recent momentum crossing over from negative to positive. While the 20-, 50-, and 200-day moving averages (all just above current price) flag short-term resistance, they also set up a technical threshold where a decisive move higher could energise buyers. The principal support zone between 787.99p and 791.49p has held firm, while resistance at 882p represents the next key breakout target. With a rectangular pattern formation between 796p and 882p, a sustained move above the upper range could trigger a fresh bullish phase. These signals, coupled with fundamental stability, suggest the stock may be gearing up for renewed upward momentum.

Fundamental analysis

Unite Group’s fundamentals underpin its investment appeal. Revenue for 2024 climbed 6.7% to £350.6 million, and adjusted profits soared by 16% to £213.8 million, both ahead of expectations. The company achieved an exceptional adjusted EPS of 46.6p—a 5% annual rise—driven by robust rental growth of 8.2% and record-high occupancy rates of 97.5%. Net profit surged 331% to £441.9 million, a testament to both operating leverage and strong demand.

Valuation is notably attractive. Trading at a P/E ratio of 8.55—significantly below historical averages for premium REITs—Unite Group also offers a forward dividend yield of 4.40%. Its £4.2 billion market cap is paired with an improving net debt/EBITDA ratio (down to 5.5x from 6.1x in 2023), indicating prudent balance sheet management and financial flexibility for future expansion. Strategic initiatives, such as a fully funded £1.048 billion development pipeline and £281 million in high-value acquisitions, reinforce its sector leadership. The brand’s reputation, relationships with top universities, and more than 150 properties across 23 UK cities provide lasting competitive advantages.

Volume and liquidity

Market confidence in Unite Group is supported by an average daily trading volume of 1.14 million shares, ranking it among the most liquid REITs on the LSE. Its substantial public float and broad institutional ownership create a favourable environment for dynamic valuation and efficient price discovery. High liquidity not only ensures ease of entry and exit but is often a harbinger for increased investor attention during bullish phases—an important consideration for those focusing on both short-term moves and long-term positioning.

Catalysts and positive outlook

• Surging student demand: UK university applications are up, and a 14% jump in international student visas ensures persistent demand.
• Supply shortage: The overall shortage of modern, purpose-built student accommodation remains acute, with new supply still 60% below pre-pandemic levels and traditional HMO competition declining.
• Operational excellence: Occupancy rates consistently outperform the sector, exemplifying excellent execution and asset utilisation.
• Strategic partnerships: Recent deals, such as the Newcastle University partnership, are set to support future rental income growth.
• ESG leadership: As a UK REIT, Unite Group benefits from tax efficiency while taking active steps in sustainability—an increasingly vital criterion for institutional investors.
• Development pipeline: With projects worth over £1 billion fully funded, the company is uniquely positioned to scale further amidst structural undersupply.

In addition, management’s positive guidance—with targeted adjusted EPS growth (47.5p–48.25p for 2025) and a 4–5% forecast for rental growth—underscores the strong outlook.

Investment strategies

• Short-term: Technical indicators and recent price consolidation suggest significant support at current levels, creating a potential base for rebound trades ahead of further catalysts, such as earnings releases.
• Medium-term: Momentum stemming from above-average occupancy and robust revenue growth offers a strong backdrop for those targeting dividend income and capital gains over the next year or two.
• Long-term: Unite Group’s sector leadership, embedded relationships with educational institutions, and a defensive asset base position it well to benefit from long-duration demographic and societal trends.

Positioning around current support (circa 791p–820p) or accumulating ahead of development pipeline milestones may help optimise risk-reward, while patience and regular rebalancing can capture the stock’s cyclical upswings and structural growth.

Is it the right time to buy Unite Group?

Bringing together solid financial results, undervalued earnings multiples, record occupancy, and a clear runway of growth catalysts, Unite Group seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking quality exposure to the UK’s resilient accommodation sector. The fundamentals justify renewed interest, especially as the business model continues to demonstrate both operational and strategic strength in the face of broader market uncertainty.

In summary, Unite Group’s unique blend of scale, strong balance sheet, income generation, and a robust project pipeline provides a compelling investment profile at a time when structural supply constraints and surging demand underpin sector optimism. Investors looking to align with powerful demographic trends and benefit from a sustainable yet dynamic dividend policy may find Unite Group stock entering a new bullish phase well worth serious consideration.

Unite Group shows every sign of combining dependable cash flow with long-term growth potential—making this an opportune moment to evaluate the stock as a cornerstone for any forward-thinking UK portfolio.

How to buy Unite Group stock in the UK?

It is straightforward and secure to buy Unite Group shares online through a regulated UK broker. Investors can choose between spot buying—owning shares directly—or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which allow for leveraged strategies and short-term speculation. Spot buying suits those seeking long-term growth and dividends, while CFDs are for those interested in price movements. For more details and a comparison of the best brokers for Unite Group, see the dedicated comparison section further down this page.

Spot buying

A cash purchase of Unite Group shares means you become a direct owner, eligible for any dividends and long-term capital gains. Most UK brokers charge a fixed commission per transaction, typically ranging from £5 to £10.

Gain scenario

For example, if Unite Group shares are priced at 820.50p (about £8.21), with a $1,000 investment (around £790), you can buy about 96 shares, including a standard brokerage fee of around $5.

If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth $1,100.

Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your original investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading on Unite Group shares lets you speculate on price changes without actually owning the shares, and typically includes the use of leverage. Fees come from the spread (the difference between bid and ask prices) and overnight financing charges if positions are held beyond a single day.

Gain scenario

You open a CFD position on Unite Group with 5x leverage and a $1,000 stake, giving you $5,000 market exposure.

If Unite Group shares rise by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: +$400 gain on your $1,000 stake (excluding fees).

Final advice

Remember to compare broker fees, commissions, and trading conditions before making an investment. The right approach for buying Unite Group depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. For a deeper analysis and broker comparison, check the section further down this page.

Our 7 tips for buying Unite Group stock

The latest news about Unite Group

Unite Group secured a new strategic partnership with Newcastle University, enhancing its presence in a key student city. This agreement further strengthens Unite Group’s leadership in the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation sector, providing access to a stable and expanding pool of university tenants and boosting the company’s visibility and reputation among UK academic institutions.

Unite Group continues to deliver high occupancy rates at 97.5%, outperforming the sector average and supporting rental income stability. The latest available data confirm that strong demand from both domestic and international students underpins Unite Group’s resilience, positioning the company well for consistent cash flows and mitigating near-term market volatility.

The company’s fully funded £1.048 billion development pipeline supports future portfolio growth and income expansion in British university cities. Unite Group is progressing on high-value developments that are expected to meet rising student accommodation needs nationally, while securing its long-term growth potential and enhancing its asset base in key locations across the United Kingdom.

A robust 2024 financial performance has seen adjusted earnings rise 16% and net profit surge 331% year-on-year. Unite Group has delivered above-expectation results, reflecting effective management, strong operational controls, and success in capitalising on favourable trends in the UK student housing market, which remains structurally undersupplied.

Analyst consensus sets a 26% upside to Unite Group’s stock, indicating renewed market optimism for GB investors. With a consensus target price of 1,036.20p, the stock is regarded positively in professional circles, supported by sector-leading occupancy, resilient cash generation, and a development pipeline tailored to support future dividend stability and capital appreciation.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.