Equitix’s Post

Select Property Blog: 8 reasons to invest in Sheffield property in 2024 This Northern city is gaining global attention as a stand-out investment prospect this year, for all of the right reasons! 🎓 Home to 67,000 students with a 42% graduate retention rate 📊 6.4% average rental yields and 20% capital growth over the next five years 🏆 Recently voted the second best city break destination in Europe by TimeOut The city has also been named one of the UK’s best for investment by Zoopla, thanks to market-leading rental yields, low capital entry point and strong five-year growth projections. 🔗 Read more or listen to the full blog post here: http://bit.ly/3SeQYiI

Sky News recently featured StudentCrowd who shed light on the supply and demand challenges within the student accommodation sector, summarising that there is no immediate solution in sight. However, at Torsion Group, we've taken a step towards a solution through a recent joint venture with Zenzic Capital, set to deliver an additional 1249 beds by the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, and a pipeline of 2000 beds beyond this. But there is more work ahead! The latest report from PwC and StudentCrowd provides a stark reality check - 400,000 more students since 2019, and 95,000 fewer student beds. Despite the economic challenges, Torsion Group remains actively committed to addressing this critical issue through its collaborative approach with Torsion Developments, Torsion Construction, and our operating platform LUNA Students.   Our fully vertically integrated delivery model enables us to focus on solutions for critical issues facing the PBSA sector including geographical undersupply, sustainability improvements and importantly affordability.  Torsion Group is working in partnership with a number of Universities to unlock their real estate and provide much needed affordable accommodation as part of its growth plans. We are dedicated to developing bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of universities and the respective cities.   https://lnkd.in/ewdQds_a #pbsa #studentaccommodation #highereducation #affordability #affordablehousing #highereducation #university

In the current high interest rate environment, developers are adopting innovative strategies to maintain profitability. Rather than pursuing traditional off-campus student housing projects, many have found success through partnerships with universities to develop on-campus housing. “The high land costs and rising capital expenses have made off-campus developments increasingly unfeasible.” - James Wilhelm, chief development officer at American Campus Communities. This shift has resulted in a growing trend of public-private partnerships. By focusing on high-density housing with reduced parking requirements, these collaborations are creating more affordable options for student accommodation. Read more: https://ow.ly/3aiV50TaZYj #rebusinessonline #studenthousingdevelopment #studenthousing #cretrends #investmenttrends #universitypartnerships

"Despite a serious lack of student housing in many UK towns and cities, average purpose-built student accommodation occupancy in Coventry last year was 70%, according to property search and data platform, StuRents." Great to be featured in this article about the financial challenges faced by Coventry University. The potential decrease in international students to the UK could pose serious challenges to the higher education sector. These challenges will likely have a ripple effect on student accommodation, influencing occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and the dynamics between universities, students, and accommodation providers. #studentaccommodation #studenthousing #pbsa #hmo #coventry #internationalstudents

EvoInfra is delighted to have provided financial advice to HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (UK) & (Irl) Ltd and Plenary Group on Staffordshire University’s Student Village. The landmark project will see around 700 new student rooms built in cluster blocks and town houses in the new #StudentVillage, while the University’s existing Clarice Cliff Court accommodation, home to almost 300 students, will also be refurbished to meet the same high standards. The Project will also provide a village ‘hub’ facility that will act as a social space for students and feature events and wellbeing spaces, study areas and a roof-top terrace with an outdoor seating area. Simon Johnson, Project Lead and Partner, said: "Firstly, congratulations to Staffordshire University and the Staffordshire Campus Living consortium on reaching #financialclose for the Project. The #studentaccommodation will sit well within the campus as a whole and support an excellent student experience. We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with the consortium parties in our role as #financialadviser. The Project was funded on an income strip basis by Aviva Investors. It’s been quite a long time since a deal was done on that basis in the student accommodation #DBFO sector. It’s far from simple to make the two work together, so it’s very pleasing that the team got it over the line. The sector needs both to deliver more #accommodation to meet demand and to update old accommodation to meet modern expectations, so I think it is hugely encouraging that this opens up another potential funding route for some of the universities that have not historically had the same breadth of options as the top-ranked institutions." Further information on our website: https://lnkd.in/dg-EeshM #financialadvisory #projectfinance #ppp #debtadvisory #infrastructure #ukinfrastructure

Headed to the Wellcome Collection this morning for London Property Alliance (CPA & WPA)’s breakfast seminar on how London can continue to boost the Life Sciences sector. 🧪 My key takeaways were… - Is there a lack of clear ownership around the vision and messaging of Life Sciences in London, and how the city can be internationally distinct? - Complexities in planning continue to affect pipeline development, as requirements such as affordable workspace and housing need to be juggled. - The viability and speed of development is an ongoing challenge. - Removing friction for occupiers is key - SMEs and startups need efficient delivery of spaces and prime locations, in order to receive support from other businesses. #LifeSciences #London #developmentpipeline #SMEs

This week, an intriguing article caught our attention from across the Irish Sea. It highlights the Irish government's commitment to increasing funding for universities to transform vacant and derelict commercial properties into much-needed student accommodation. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our longstanding portfolio focus, and we are delighted to see the growing trend in various regions embracing regeneration for purpose-built student accommodation. https://lnkd.in/eUYScdNf #regeneration #propertyinvestment #studentaccommodation #studenthousing #housing #housingcrisis #propertyrestoration #residentialinvestment #residentialdevelopment #propertydevelopment

Top University Cities for Student Property Investment If you’re considering investing in student properties, these UK cities are currently leading the pack: Birmingham: Home to multiple high-ranking universities and a growing student population. Edinburgh: A historic city with a strong demand for quality student accommodation. Sheffield: Known for its affordable living costs and vibrant student community. Each city offers unique opportunities and challenges, so it’s important to research local markets thoroughly. Which city do you think is the next big hotspot for student property investment? Let us know your predictions in the comments! #UKProperty #StudentAccommodation #UniversityCities #PropertyInvestment #Birmingham #Edinburgh #Sheffield #RealEstateInvestment #PropertyMarket

Understanding the trends in institutional rental accommodation is crucial for universities and higher education institutions involved in student housing. The sector is evolving, influenced by investment strategies, market demands, and economic conditions. Investors are increasingly focusing on sustainability and technology to create efficient, attractive rental properties. Curious to learn more about these trends and what’s shaping the future of institutional rental accommodation in Europe? Knight Frank’s annual review offers comprehensive insights and data-driven analysis. Read the full review here: https://lnkd.in/dpGe3dud How do these trends align with what you’re seeing at your institution? Let’s discuss! #StudentHousing #HigherEd #RealEstateTrends

🏗️ Exciting News for Cambridge’s Science & Innovation Sector! 🌍🔬 Mission Street and BGO have secured planning consent to create a 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge, marking a significant step towards the UK’s goal of becoming a “science superpower.” 🧪 This world-class science district will support companies at all stages, from start-ups to multinationals, with 1,000,000 sq ft of research and development space across seven buildings. The district will include pedestrian-friendly areas, public art, STEM outreach programmes, and community amenities, blending cutting-edge innovation with an open and accessible environment. 🚲 Just a 10-minute cycle from Cambridge’s central railway station, this transformative project is expected to generate over 4,000 high-skill jobs and £7 million in local expenditure. #CambridgeScience #InnovationHub #LifeSciences #RandD #UKScienceSuperpower #UrbanDevelopment