2021 has been an extremely challenging year for PBSA operators with the continued closure of the Australian and state borders due to the Covid pandemic keeping international students out of the country, together with extended lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne causing operational challenges with staffing and resources.
Despite this, there is optimism throughout the sector looking forward to Semester 1 2022, with international students being welcomed back into the country from mid-December. Operators and aggregators have reported a significant increase in the level of enquiry since the border relaxation was announced and booking rates have been strong with some operators reporting 50% booking rates in early December.