What Challenges and Opportunities Does Student Housing Present in Cambridge?

A very unique landscape exists with respect to student housing in the Cambridge, Ontario, real estate market for real estate investors and landlords. With some of the most well-known educational institutions close by in the city and surrounding cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Cambridge has become the place for student housing investment.

Royal York Property Management, a leading Ontario property management company, combines exceptional service and expertise to meet the needs of landlords, investors, and tenants throughout the country. We manage a portfolio of over 22,000 properties valued in excess of $10.1 billion and are continuing to fortify trust in the real estate arena.

We at Royal York Property Management help landlords make the most of their investment in this bustling market while assuring maximum profitability and stability.

Demographic Overview of Cambridge’s Student Population  

Cambridge, strategically positioned within the thriving Waterloo Region of Ontario, Canada, has become a nexus for student housing due to its proximity to several prestigious educational institutions. It is this geography that supports the outstanding student population, which fuels a vibrant student accommodation demand, creating an ideal platform for real estate investors and landlords.

The student population in Cambridge is influenced by the closeness of the city to big universities like the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College, all of which are within commuting distance. Institutions offer a diversified string of programs, attracting students from Canada and around the world. For example, the students at the University of Waterloo in 2024 were from over 120 different countries, which gave testimony to the international appeal of the region's educational offerings.

International students are a big category of the tenant pool in Cambridge. For such students, flexible lease terms, proximity to academic institutions, and facilities that support a good and friendly study environment are top priorities. The steady influx of international students has not only enhanced the cultural diversity within the community but also stabilized the demand for rental units throughout the year, including the academic year. Understanding the needs and preferences of this category will be important for the landlords targeting to penetrate the student rental market.