Abrdn launches student accommodation platform

Neil Slater

Abrdn said it has launched a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) platform called MYS Student Living.

“This is a natural evolution as Abrdn further expands its capabilities as one of the largest residential fund managers in Europe, with more than 200 residential properties across 11 countries,” said Abrdn.

“MYS Student Living, a joint venture with David Mathewson and Murdo Mcilhagger, will aim to address the UK and Europe’s student housing shortage and support the growing university age population which is impacted by the limited supply of quality, sustainable accommodation.

“With more domestic and international students attending university than ever before, key purpose-built student accommodation markets across the UK and Europe are experiencing supply shortages, and existing properties are often not fit for purpose.

“MYS aims to provide a differentiated experience for students, universities and investors by offering a values-led proposition with strong ESG credentials and maximising the customer experience.”

Abrdn Head of Real Assets Neil Slater said: “PBSA investment solutions are an interesting and growing segment of the residential market offering income-driven returns and the ability to create a sustainable and values-led investment opportunity.

“In addition, well-run PBSA can achieve enhanced value from assets that are often under-managed. We’re excited to have MYS Student Living as an in-house provider of highest quality accommodation.”

MYS joint managing director David Mathewson said: “Creating the MYS Student Living platform with Abrdn harnesses two levels of expertise.

“Abrdn is one of the largest residential fund managers in Europe and MYS is a first mover in the new category of values-led student housing.

“Both Abrdn and MYS are focused on delivering assets with best- in-class ESG credentials that fulfil the clear and growing needs of both students and universities.

“The ambition is to provide investors with strong and dependable returns while creating the user-friendly, sustainable, low-carbon student housing of the future.”