Operator Orla has secured a significant new partnership that highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to growth within Europe, with plans to introduce 1,500 beds in Spain and Portugal. This Iberian portfolio will be developed through a joint venture between Promiris and Besix RED, established in 2025 to enhance the region’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector.
The Portfolio Overview
The new developments will be strategically located in several key cities, including Alicante, Coimbra, Lisbon, Madrid, and Valencia. The first of these projects is set to welcome students in Alicante in September 2024, followed by Madrid in September 2028 and Valencia in September 2029. Coimbra and Lisbon are also scheduled to join the portfolio soon after.
Leadership and Operational Expertise
Joe Stanley, European Integration Director at Orla, expressed pride in being appointed by two reputable real estate developers for this ambitious project, stating, “This represents an important milestone in Orla’s wider European expansion strategy, building on the company’s growing reputation for delivering professionally managed student accommodation in key university cities.” Orla will leverage its extensive experience in the PBSA market, supported by its parent company, Homes for Students, which has been active in the sector for over a decade. This backing will bring vital operational expertise and a student-focused approach to the new schemes.
Vision for the Future
The expansion will be spearheaded by David Lord Martínez, Orla’s Head of Country for Iberia, who will oversee the delivery and management of the portfolio across Spain and Portugal. He noted, “We believe that the future of student housing goes far beyond providing accommodation. It is about creating vibrant, sustainable communities where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.” This collaborative effort between BESIX RED, Promiris, and Orla aims to develop residences that meet high environmental standards, thoughtful design, and exceptional living experiences.
Market Context and Implications
As demand for PBSA continues to rise across the Iberian Peninsula, this partnership positions Orla to effectively support universities and students with high-quality, professionally managed homes in some of the region’s most significant higher education destinations. Currently, Orla manages 425 beds in Italy and 207 in Dublin, demonstrating its growing footprint in the student accommodation market.