A new report is calling for more purpose-built student accommodation to be constructed in Bath in a bid to free up family homes.
Real estate adviser Savills has said the conversion of family housing to student lets has contributed to the housing boom in the city, which has priced out local tenants.
Its report Spotlight on Student Housing estimates that 1,100 properties could be freed up for family housing if 4,300 beds of purpose built accommodation was delivered.
The firm is calling on councils across the country to recognise the importance of promoting such student housing schemes through planning.
Savills research analyst Neal Hudson, who lives in Bath, said: "The conversion of family housing into student lets has been a significant, but largely ignored feature of the housing boom.
"Our analysis shows the important contribution that purpose built student accommodation makes.
"Planning applications should not be considered in isolation, but rather as an intrinsic part of the whole housing market dynamic."
Mr Hudson added that B&NES Council would get an extra £1.4 million in council tax by reinstating student houses of multiple occupancy back into family homes, as students do not pay council tax.