Fresh – the UK’s leading third-party manager of residential for rent homes – has further strengthened its market position by topping the table of new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds secured into management last year, according to research from Cushman & Wakefield.
Fresh added over 3,000 new PBSA beds to its portfolio in the UK for the 2020/21 academic year – outpacing its nearest rivals by around 1,000 beds.
Since the research was compiled, Fresh has secured the management of five further PBSA schemes. Three from a joint venture established by a fund managed by the Real Estate Group of Ares Management Corporation and Generation Partners to manage its first UK student accommodation investments, the first in the UK for the joint venture, as well as one for Deutsche Finance International in Leicester and one for L1 in Stoke-on-Trent. It also added over 500 beds in the Republic of Ireland, which were outside the scope of the research.
“I’m thrilled to have continued our very strong growth over a challenging year for the sector. The level of repeat business from our trusted partners is a testament to the skill and hard work of our teams and the strength of Fresh’s offer. It’s also been fantastic to have added some great new clients, who we are really enjoying working with.
“This research forecasts that the UK market for high quality student accommodation will remain strong, which matches our view. We are also seeing similar momentum in the Build to Rent sector. As the disruption from the pandemic reduces, people are increasingly seeking the lifestyle Fresh offers, with community, convenience, wellbeing support and comfort in great locations.”
Jeremy Fletcher, Chief Executive, Fresh
