European investors are shifting capital from traditional commercial real estate to operational sectors, with purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) emerging as the most sought-after segment for the first time, according to Savills' investor sentiment survey.

StudentSpace, a student housing platform, has secured PLN 177.8 million in financing from Bank Pekao S.A. to support the development of three modern student dormitories in Kraków. Since its inception in 2024, the platform has actively acquired land for future developments. It is currently delivering three projects across two locations in Kraków, which will be ready to accommodate over 1,200 students starting from the upcoming academic year.

Macquarie Asset Management has signed an agreement to acquire and combine two specialist platforms—Milestone and BaseStack Living—as part of its entry into the European purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) market.

Zeitgeist Asset Management has received occupancy approval and a BREEAM certificate for its new mixed-use building, Zeitraum Racławicka 58, which combines serviced apartments and private student housing. The project addresses the growing demand for student and rental accommodation in Kraków.

Speedwell has secured its first loan in Poland — a PLN 100 million financing agreement with BNP Paribas Bank Polska for the development of Milestone Warsaw Mokotów. This project marks Speedwell’s first locally financed investment in Poland and the first purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Warsaw under the Milestone brand.

Zeitraum has opened a new student residence at Racławicka 58 in Kraków’s Krowodrza district. The building offers 249 rooms (289 beds), mostly private studios with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. Flexible lease terms allow stays from one month to a full year.

Around 75% of investors plan to increase their exposure to rental housing (PRS), purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and collective living solutions over the next five years, shows a survey by Cushman & Wakefield.

The largest private student residence in Poland has just changed ownership. Offering 775 modern accommodation units, Basecamp Wrocław will add to the portfolio of Xior. The price has not been revealed. 

Poland is one of the six largest higher education centres in Europe, ranking fifth in student population within the European Union and attracting an increasing number of international students. How many beds are available in the country’s student houses? How likely is private purpose-built student accommodation to meet the growing demand from the rising student population? These questions are explored in the latest report from BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland.

Kajima Europe has acquired Student Depot's third development site in Warsaw. This acquisition brings the total number of buildings operated and secured to 12, reinforcing Student Depot's position as Poland’s leading developer and operator of student accommodation.