Students beginning or returning to college are being warned of an acute shortage of suitable accommodation.

The latest rental report from Daft.ie shows a shortage of homes for rent, as well as a lack of affordable properties.

The report reveals rents have gone up by more than 10% nationally in the last year, while there are also 40% fewer properties available to rent. The average rent is now €915, compared to €825 a year ago.

The report says there are 6,800 properties available to rent in Ireland, which is down from 11,000 in August 2013

While rents rose in every county except Donegal, Dublin city saw the sharpest increase with rents up to €1,345 - a jump of 17.2%.

Economist with Trinity College Ronan Lyons compiled the report for Daft.ie. He spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about how the accommodation shortages and rising rents are likely to affect students:

Originally published 7:55am