Bouwinvest invests in Rotterdam PBSA development

The Bouwinvest Dutch Institutional Residential Fund has acquired OurDomain Rotterdam Blaak, a mixed-use development located in central Rotterdam. 

 OurDomain Rotterdam Blaak

This acquisition comprises 612 studios and apartments tailored for students and young professionals, alongside 454 m2 of commercial space. Situated on Gapersteeg, directly across from Blaak Station, this investment by Bouwinvest addresses the increasing need for contemporary, affordable housing for these demographics in the Randstad region. It also aligns with the growing trend of investing in "operational real estate," where ongoing management is crucial to the investment.
Greystar, who developed the project in collaboration with Stebru, will continue to manage the property and its community. This deal allows Greystar to reallocate capital into new residential developments.
Completed in 2021, the 24-story building offers a variety of furnished and semi-furnished units designed for students, young professionals, young couples, singles, and short-stay residents aged up to 28. The majority of these units are rented below the liberalization threshold or in the mid-rental segment, promoting affordable urban living, with a small portion in the private rental sector. Since its opening in January 2022, OurDomain Rotterdam Blaak has consistently achieved near-full occupancy.
Beyond the living spaces, the complex provides extensive shared amenities, including dedicated study and workspaces, lounges, a music and cinema room, a gym, and a rooftop terrace offering city views. Its ground floor features two commercial units, currently occupied by an all-day food concept and a barber.
The complex enjoys a prime location in the heart of Rotterdam, adjacent to the André van der Louw Bridge and the Willem de Kooning Academy. Its proximity to Rotterdam Blaak Station—a major public transport hub—ensures excellent connectivity, with all universities and colleges accessible within fifteen minutes. Essential daily amenities, such as a supermarket, are also conveniently within walking distance.
Paul van Stiphout, fund manager Dutch Institutional Residential Fund, said: “OurDomain Rotterdam Blaak fits perfectly within our strategy to add affordable and sustainable housing in prime urban locations in the Holland Metropole region. At a time when the housing market is under severe pressure, it is important that this type of housing remains available and affordable for students and young professionals. This acquisition is also fully aligned with our Paris Proof objectives and contributes to the further sustainability of our portfolio.” 
Mark Kuijpers, senior managing director Gresytar, added: “This sale enables us to reinvest the released capital into new projects, allowing us to create additional housing for students and young starters in the Netherlands. We are pleased to remain involved, on behalf of Bouwinvest, as the property and community manager, delivering a unique living experience to its residents.”
OurDomain Rotterdam Blaak was developed in 2016 by Greystar, in collaboration with Stebru, and designed by Tangram Architects. Greystar was also the seller in this transaction, with CBRE serving as its advisor.