THE number of purpose built student flats in Glasgow soared last year with thousands more in the pipeline.

Overseas students from wealthy families are paying more than £220 a week or more than £11,200 a year for top quality, large studios making the cost one of the most expensive outside London.

However average student rents were last year down 2% to £132 a week.

A survey by commercial property and real estate consultants Cushman and Wakefield found the number of new student flats in 2016 increased by around 2000 bringing the total to over 14,500.

David Feeny of Cushman and Wakefield's student accommodation team said the fall in the cost of rents is down to a change in the market.

He added: "The supply of accommodation has increased significantly in a fairly short space of time and some optimistically priced developments have not been at full occupancy.

"There is definitely still a place for the right development at the right price but it is not a bed at any price."

Mr Feeny said the supply of purpose built accommodation has increased to meet demand due to the growth in student numbers and a rise in the number of international students.

Parents are also increasingly keen for their children to live in purpose built accommodation rather than traditional shared apartments or houses.

He added: "Things like on-site gyms, weekly cleaning, grab and go breakfasts and free broadband help make the transition from the family home easier."

One luxury development has a gym, cinema and games room along with a programme of events for students such as fashion shows, international nights and DJ parties.

Mr Feeny said: "With a further 6000 bed spaces in the pipeline, rents are likely to remain fairly stable over the next few years although the best schemes, ones that offer a great experience and are well located and priced, may see some growth.

Despite the dip in rents, Glasgow remains more expensive than regional counterparts such as Liverpool and Newcastle where average weekly rents are around £126 a week but not as pricey as London where students on average pay £186 a week.

Mr Feeny said: "The high cost of land in Glasgow and the very high quality of accommodation being built by some investors and developers has undoubtedly had an impact on rents."

George Redmond, the city council's development and regeneration spokesman, said: “Glasgow is home to a high number of students - 13% of the city’s population – who play a key role in Glasgow’s social and economic life.

"The rise in purpose-built student accommodation across the city reflects this growing part of Glasgow’s population.”