Mapletree Investments has significantly expanded its footprint in the UK student accommodation market through a £1 billion acquisition of 31 student housing assets and an operating platform from Cuscaden Peak Investments. This deal increases Mapletree’s UK student housing portfolio to over 17,000 beds, reinforcing its status as one of the major players in the sector.

The newly acquired assets span across prominent university cities in the UK, including Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Oxford, and York. These properties are noted for their strategic locations, offering easy access to universities and providing extensive amenities to students.

Alongside the physical properties, the acquisition also includes the operational platforms for two student housing brands: Student Castle and Capitol Students. This move grants Mapletree direct control over the operations, aiming to boost its service quality and operational efficiency. The operating platform has recently been awarded a “Platinum” certification by Global Student Living, highlighting its commitment to resident satisfaction and wellbeing.

Hiew Yoon Khong, the group CEO of Mapletree, commented on the acquisition as a strategic enhancement to their global portfolio, which now totals 33,000 beds across the UK, the US, Germany, and Canada, with assets under management valued at approximately £4.8 billion. “The student housing sector remains a key focus for us due to its resilient demand and supply dynamics. We are enthusiastic about further developing our capabilities and presence in the UK,” stated Hiew.

Mapletree plans to continue investing in the student housing sector and leverage its expertise in property development to initiate both new builds and renovations, aiming to enlarge and enhance its portfolio across several international markets. As of the end of March, Mapletree manages a diverse global property portfolio worth £59.9 billion, encompassing various sectors such as office, retail, logistics, industrial, data centres, residential, and student accommodations.