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Italy: Invel Real Estate has entered the Italian purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector with an €18 million investment in two developments in Milan and Padua.
The investment forms part of a new strategic partnership with Stonehill International Group and will support the delivery of around 1,100 student beds across both cities.
The developments will be located in Milan’s Bovisa district and near Padua’s university campus, targeting areas with strong student demand and limited housing supply.
The deal marks Invel’s first investment in the student accommodation sector, which has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing real estate segments as investor interest in residential assets continues to increase.
Invel said the investment aligns with its broader residential strategy, while Stonehill will continue expanding its development pipeline in Italy.
Stonehill has operated in Italy since 2017 and has developed and sold around 2,100 PBSA beds across Europe to institutional investors.
The investment comes as Italy’s student housing market remains significantly under-supplied. Despite having around two million university students, less than five per cent currently have access to purpose-built accommodation, compared with 20 to 30 per cent in more mature European markets.
In cities such as Milan and Padua, demand for modern, professionally managed student accommodation is estimated to exceed supply by three to four times.
Highlights
- Invel has entered the Italian PBSA market with an €18m investment
- The deal will support the delivery of around 1,100 student beds in Milan and Padua
- The investment forms part of a new partnership with Stonehill International Group
- Italy’s student housing market remains significantly under-supplied
- Investor interest in European PBSA continues to grow
