The European student accommodation market continues to attract attention from global investors, with Australian firms leading the charge. Recent developments highlight a surge in activity, including acquisitions and partnerships that signal a strategic move into the sector.
In March 2025, M&G Real Estate expanded its Asian-Pacific portfolio with a €97m acquisition of a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) asset in Australia. This acquisition, part of its Asia Living strategy, highlights the growing interest in student housing from global investors. “The PBSA sector continues to be a key focus for our investment strategy, with a growing demand for student accommodation globally,” said a spokesperson for M&G Real Estate.
Meanwhile, AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund, has partnered with Oxford Properties Group to invest in a €1.4bn European industrial and logistics portfolio, underscoring its increasing commitment to European markets. The joint venture will target key markets in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain, but the fund’s interest in student accommodation remains strong, with future investments likely.
In addition to these moves, Round Hill Capital, in collaboration with CPP Investments, established a €1bn joint venture to develop student accommodation across Europe. The initiative is expected to secure approximately 2,000 student beds across Spain and the Netherlands. “This partnership aims to address the rising demand for quality student housing in Europe’s leading academic hubs,” said Round Hill Capital spokesperson, highlighting their ambitious expansion plans.
With these recent acquisitions, Australian investors are positioning themselves as key players in the growing European student accommodation market, which is expected to see significant investment in the coming years.
Photo by Marcus Loke on Unsplash
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