The number of student properties in Exeter has almost doubled in the past five years as the city's university continues to expand.
Figures obtained by the Echo reveal the number of student dwellings in the city rose from 1,495 in October 2009 to 2,975 in October 2014 – an increase of 98.99%.
Around three quarters of the increase was as a result of new purpose-built accommodation, including the £16m Printworks on Western Way with almost 500 apartments.
But in the past three years the number of shared houses for students has stabilised and in some areas declined, according to the city council.
Christine Fraser, chairman of St David's Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "What the residents want is balanced communities. Although it's great to have a large number of students in the city, most people don't want to feel outnumbered by them.
"They can create a domino-effect whereby one property is sold to become a student dwelling and then others go the same way, because of the negative effect on property values."
The number of Exeter University students, including those based in Cornwall, rose by 6.86% from 17,210 in 2009/10 to 19,325 in 2013/14.
During that time the number of international students rose by more than an quarter (27.81%).
Around 18,000 students are currently based in the city.
A University of Exeter spokesman said: "The University is committed to reducing pressure on the city's housing stock by accommodating more students on campus."
It added that £130 million worth of new student accommodation has recently been built on its Streatham Campus to provide space for 2,600 students.
The council admitted it had lost "some" revenue normally raised through council tax on dwellings, because students are exempt from paying the charge.
But the authority said it does receive money from the government to compensate for some of the losses.
Last year the council revealed there were 4,100 families waiting for a council or housing association home in Exeter. It said a balance needed to be struck between homes for residents and accommodation for students.
A Students' Guild spokesperson said: "Student residents in Exeter are invaluable to the community, not only in terms of revenue, but in the tens of thousands of volunteer hours they contribute to projects which support local charities, schools, community centres and residential groups. We are very proud of our strong and growing relationship with our community neighbours."
The data, released by the council under the Freedom of Information Act, also showed the number of student properties was 5.51% of the 54,038 properties eligible for council tax.
