29 articles
Investment in Germany’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is rebounding, with around €200m transacted in the first half of 2026. This marks a significant recovery from the previous two years as demand fundamentals strengthen and operational performance improves.
Orla has announced a strategic partnership to expand its presence in the Iberian Peninsula, adding 1,500 beds across Spain and Portugal. This collaboration with Promiris and Besix RED aims to enhance the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) landscape in key university cities.
CBRE’s Mid-Year Review highlights a downward revision in UK GDP growth expectations for 2026, alongside a notable decline in transaction volumes. Despite challenges, the PBSA sector shows strong resilience with a focus on refurbishment, bolstered by robust rental demand and government support.
Investor confidence in Europe’s purpose-built student accommodation sector remains robust, buoyed by rising construction costs and limited new supply. Recent data from JLL reveals that investment in this sector reached €17.4 billion in Q2 2026, the highest quarterly volume since 2022.
Mubadala has committed to a new investment strategy in Italy, targeting purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and affordable housing as part of a €600m initiative across European living sectors. This investment aims to address housing demand and enhance existing residential assets.
Rothesay has secured majority funding for a £530m project in Fallowfield, Manchester, set to add 900 new beds to the student accommodation market. This ambitious redevelopment, in partnership with Equitix and the University of Manchester, aims to enhance student life with sustainable living spaces and extensive amenities.
Saba Capital has reportedly acquired a 4% stake in Unite Group, the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). This investment aligns with Unite’s strategy of capital recycling and reflects positive occupancy trends for the upcoming academic year.
DWS’s latest report highlights purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) as a prime investment opportunity in Spain. With the residential sector facing challenges, affordable housing and flexible living models are increasingly vital for strategic investors looking to maximise returns amid changing market dynamics.
German Development Investors (GDI) is actively seeking an institutional partner to join a €100m joint venture aimed at developing a purpose-built student accommodation platform that will deliver around 3,000 homes across Germany, addressing the growing demand in key university cities.
Blackstone’s renewed focus on UK student accommodation highlights the growing appeal of existing assets amid rising development costs and a slowdown in new schemes. With demand remaining robust, the investment manager sees significant opportunities in the sector, as articulated by its European real estate head, James Seppala.
Unite Group is accelerating its portfolio reshaping strategy, with around £500m of assets being marketed as it focuses capital on the UK university locations where it sees the strongest long-term demand.
Vita Group and Colonial are in preliminary talks regarding a €300m partnership aimed at consolidating their purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects in Madrid. This collaboration seeks to enhance their footprint in a rapidly evolving student housing market in Spain, particularly in major cities.
The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation has partnered with Imperial College London to advance the regeneration of Old Oak in North Acton. This collaboration aims to foster economic growth and innovation, with plans for new housing and purpose-built student accommodation.
Cain has launched a dedicated purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) strategy in London, targeting 2,000 beds. Their first project is a 353-bed development in Greenwich, set to enhance the student living experience and address the growing demand for quality accommodation in the capital.
Artisan Real Estate has launched St Vincent Studios, a new student accommodation project in Glasgow City Centre, featuring 321 self-contained studio apartments set to be ready by July 2026. This development aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality PBSA in the area.
Greystar has successfully established a €2.7 billion fund, making it the largest pan-European value-add residential fund to date. This initiative highlights the rapid evolution of the UK Build to Rent market, which is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities and new developments across key cities.
Watkin Jones has indicated that upcoming transactions in the second half of the fiscal year 2026 will significantly influence its performance. The company’s focus remains on marketing Build to Rent and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) schemes amid a growing demand for new housing.
Rockfield and ABP have announced a strategic partnership to invest in affordable housing for students in the Netherlands. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to meet the UK Government’s housing targets, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the student accommodation landscape.
Moorfield Group has unveiled its strategic approach to investing in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), emphasising demand dynamics, institutional partnerships, and the importance of long-term income visibility in the evolving UK market.
Harringay Real Estate has submitted plans to convert the former St Joseph’s Care Home in Bristol into 132 purpose-built student accommodation units. Located near the University of Bristol, the development aims to create a car-free environment while maintaining the site’s historic integrity.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management and iLive Group have announced plans to develop a €1.5bn portfolio of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across Germany. This expansion reflects the growing demand for high-quality student housing in Europe, particularly in light of increasing enrolments and a competitive rental market.
Macquarie Asset Management has made a significant investment in Places for People, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, which manages around 262,000 homes. This partnership aims to enhance the availability of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the UK market, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable housing solutions.
ME Asset Management has launched a new investment platform focused on overlooked income-producing assets. This initiative aims to cater to the growing demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the UK, offering unique opportunities for investors seeking high returns in this expanding market.
Unite Students has successfully finalised a joint venture with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver 2,302 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds at the Cambridge Halls site. This significant redevelopment is set to enhance on-campus living for students while addressing local housing needs.
Helical and Places for London have secured a forward-funding agreement for a significant purpose-built student accommodation project above Southwark tube station. This development, valued at over £200 million, aims to enhance student living while addressing housing needs in London.
Orka Investments has initiated a joint venture with a prominent global institutional real estate investor to enhance its footprint in the UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. The venture aims to acquire assets primarily in Russell Group university locations, starting with three off-market acquisitions providing 1,300 beds.
Amro Partners and Invesco Real Estate have expanded their footprint in the Iberian student accommodation market by acquiring three new projects in Spain, valued at over €150 million. This strategic partnership aims to enhance their existing portfolio as they prepare for the growing demand for purpose-built student accommodation.
AustralianSuper has made a significant move in the UK PBSA market by acquiring a portfolio of six purpose-built student accommodation assets from Harrison Street, comprising 1,616 beds across major cities. This transaction highlights the growing institutional interest in high-quality student housing, signalling strong market fundamentals.
Housing Growth Partnership’s recent backing of a PBSA project in Cardiff has pushed its total equity investment past the £500 million mark. This significant milestone underscores the partnership’s commitment to enhancing student living facilities across the UK.
