🎙 Q1 2026 Housing Update with Andrew Layton

The 2026 Student Housing Shift: Supply, Strategy & Survival with Andrew Layton, Principal at Student Quarters _____________________________________________________ In this episode, Chris Moreno sits down with Andrew Layton, Principal at Student Quarters, to break down the Q1 2026 student housing market—and why this year may mark a major turning point for operators and investors. Recorded live from the Interface Student Housing Conference in Austin, Andrew shares real-time insights from the “Super Bowl of student housing,” where the industry’s top owners, developers, and operators gather to shape what’s next. They break down: • The massive incoming supply wave (80,000–100,000 new beds) and its impact on performance • Why flagship universities continue to dominate demand while smaller schools face risk • The shift from “easy growth” to “wartime operations” in leasing and execution • How technology, AI, and marketing are evolving—and where the industry is still behind If you care about investing in student housing, scaling operations, or navigating market cycles, this conversation will give you a tactical edge on what’s coming next—and how to win in a more competitive environment. _____________________________________________________ Connect with Chris Moreno LinkedIn:   / chrismoreno   Instagram:   / chrismorenoatl   Twitter: https://x.com/morenochris Facebook:   / chrismoreno13   Website: https://goinfiniteniches.com/ Connect with Andrew Layton Website: https://livesq.com/ LinkedIn:   / andrew-layton-16a2b28   _____________________________________________________ Referenced in this episode Ref 1 – Student Quarters Company: https://livesq.com/ Ref 2 – Interface Student Housing Conference Company: https://interfaceconferencegroup.com/ _____________________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 – The “Super Bowl” of Student Housing 02:45 – Why relationships still drive deals (even in an AI world) 04:30 – The biggest story of 2026: massive new supply pipeline 06:30 – Where capital is flowing (and why some markets win) 08:00 – The rise of “power schools” and shifting enrollment trends 10:00 – Why events and in-person meetings still matter for deals 11:00 – Investor hesitation & the “wait and see” market sentiment 12:00 – From tailwinds to “wartime operations” in leasing 14:00 – Why cutting rents isn’t always the answer 15:00 – Technology trends: safety, security, and operational risk 16:00 – Amenities arms race (and why pickleball is exploding) 17:45 – Why student housing marketing is 15 years behind 19:00 – Social media strategy: reach vs. niche influence 20:30 – AI vs. human leasing: where tech actually works 22:00 – The future of leasing: why relationships still win _____________________________________________________ Key Ideas • The student housing market is entering a new cycle driven by supply pressure, not just demand growth. • Success in 2026 will depend on operational excellence, not just market tailwinds. • Flagship universities and population migration trends are concentrating opportunity into fewer, stronger markets. • AI and technology are powerful—but they cannot replace human relationships in closing deals. • The biggest competitive edge going forward: better marketing, stronger teams, and deeper execution discipline. _____________________________________________________ Keywords student housing 2026, student housing market update, student housing investing, multifamily investing 2026, real estate market 2026, housing market trends 2026, student housing supply, real estate operations, multifamily operations, how to invest in student housing, is student housing a good investment, student housing demand vs supply, real estate market predictions 2026, multifamily market outlook, commercial real estate trends, property management strategies, leasing strategy real estate, how to increase occupancy apartments, Andrew Layton, Chris Moreno, student quarters, interface student housing, real estate leadership, proptech trends, real estate investors, multifamily operators, real estate podcast, business podcast real estate, investing tips 2026, market insights real estate, real estate advice, entrepreneurship real estate, student housing market forecast 2026, how to succeed in student housing, real estate supply and demand explained, why operators matter in real estate, real estate execution strategy, multifamily investing for beginners, how to scale real estate portfolio