Harris Associates

Harris Associates was founded in 2001 with a mission to power client ambitions by integrating its heritage with innovation in real estate investment. The firm has a track record of executing market-leading sell-side strategies designed to maximize value and returns for its clients. With over two decades of experience, the company has navigated rapidly changing markets and diverse transaction structures. Harris Associates specializes in real estate investment, offering services that include sell-side strategies, investor-centric marketing, equity raises, joint ventures, and bespoke acquisition services. The firm's approach involves identifying off-market opportunities and platforms, leveraging trusted relationships built over decades in the industry.

The company operates across several key real estate sectors, including Office, Student Accommodation (PBSA), Co-living, and Build-to-Rent (BTR). Harris Associates combines sector expertise with extensive market knowledge to deliver results for businesses. The firm has executed over £18 billion in transactions globally, demonstrating its experience in the real estate investment landscape. This includes advising on property transactions exceeding £15 billion globally. The company prides itself on leveraging marketing solutions and transaction strategies to drive success across relevant channels.

Harris Associates is recognized for its expertise in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector. The firm specializes in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities within the student housing market. With a deep understanding of student needs and market trends, Harris Associates assists investors and developers in unlocking the potential of PBSA assets. The company aims to deliver high-quality living spaces that attract institutional-grade investment. Since its inception four years ago, the PBSA team at Harris Associates has transacted over £3 billion in the sector. This includes playing a crucial role in the forward funding of five Fusion Students projects across the UK, which collectively represent over 2,600 student bed spaces. The firm also played a pivotal role in a joint venture between Fusion Students and Cain International, which was noted as the largest PBSA transaction in 2022.

Further demonstrating its involvement in the PBSA market, Harris Associates advised EQT Exeter on the off-market acquisition of Great Court, a 250-bed student accommodation scheme in London. The firm also facilitated the sale of The Store House in Leeds (369 student bed spaces) and Emily Davies (180 student bed spaces) to Far East Orchard on behalf of Empiric PLC. Additionally, the company facilitated the sale of Austin Hall & Asquith House (302 student bed spaces) and Ten Traffic Street (522 student bed spaces) to Blackstone & IQ Students for £68.12 million. To support its transaction strategies, Harris Associates utilizes Harris Studios, an in-house marketing engine. Harris Studios creates industry-leading content and bespoke, content-driven campaigns, tailoring its marketing to align with investor mindsets and produce high-specification, digital-first content for asset positioning.