Orla

Orla is a pan-European residential operator established at the start of 2025 and proudly operates as part of the Homes for Students group of companies. The firm maintains its European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with additional local offices and staff situated across its operational markets. Orla focuses on a broad residential platform, targeting key European countries including Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, and the Nordics. The company's operational model is designed to be dynamic and innovative, aiming to redefine modern living standards across the continent.

The company's diverse portfolio extends beyond Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to encompass various living sectors. Orla actively targets flex-living, co-living, Build-to-Rent (BTR), Private Rented Sector (PRS), and senior living spaces. This comprehensive approach allows Orla to cater to a wide demographic, creating community-driven environments for students, young professionals, and individuals seeking later-life living options. The firm's mission involves shaping spaces that are designed to evolve with residents at every stage of life, blending smart design with vibrant social experiences and practical amenities.

Orla operates as an independent entity, distinguishing itself by not engaging in property ownership. This operational structure ensures transparency in its dealings and allows the company to remain free from potential conflicts of interest. The firm's core services are centered on delivering exceptional living experiences, with a focus on creating hassle-free environments. Orla provides a full suite of services, including technical design advisory, Net Operating Income (NOI) modelling, marketing, leasing, operations, and comprehensive facilities management.

While Orla's platform is broad, its experience in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is a significant aspect of its operations. The company is part of a group that possesses a decade of operational expertise in delivering student living experiences. This extensive background is supported by a team of over 1,100 directly employed staff across the group. The broader Homes for Students group manages more than 200 properties, encompassing over 52,000 beds across 55 towns and cities, demonstrating substantial experience in managing large-scale residential portfolios. This collective experience informs Orla's approach to creating tailored student living environments that meet the needs of both students and institutional investors.

Orla's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community-driven living has garnered industry recognition. The company has received several prestigious awards, including the PropTech Winner Innovator of the Year in 2024, the Northern Digital Awards in 2023, and the PropertyWeek Property Awards in 2024. Further accolades include being GSL Gold Certified, a winner of The Class Foundation's PropTech Solution in 2023, and an IIS Gold recipient in 2025. The firm has also been recognized with the PropertyWeek Alternative Team of the Year award, the NSH Awards Quality Mark in 2021, and a UK Company Culture-Awards in 2023. These awards highlight Orla's dedication to fostering a people-first culture where collaboration, respect, and personal growth are central to its operational philosophy.