Investment in European purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) rose from 1.9 percent of total European investment activity in 2019 to 5.3 percent at the end of 2024.

Hines says this means PBSA become the fastest-growing real estate sector during this period and confirms PBSA’s transition from an emerging, niche sector to a mainstream, firmly established one in the eyes of investors worldwide.

In a new paper called Class Act: Redefining Student Living in Europe, Hines says increased student demand and lack of supply are among the main drivers that have attracted investors into the sector.

The report shows the number of international students at European universities has grown by 16.3 percent since 2019. Institutions across the continent have launched more English language offerings in the past few years and the broad cultural appeal of European cities remains a draw for young people from key markets across the world. Europe’s top-ranked educational institu