DFI forward‑funds co‑living development in Kingston upon Thames

DFI has forward‑funded an £80 million (€93 million) gross development value co‑living scheme in Kingston upon Thames through an off‑market transaction, marking its latest investment in London’s evolving living sector. 

Kingston co-living. Credit Assael Architecture

The 200‑bed development will be delivered by Viewranks Estates under a forward‑funding agreement and has full planning permission and Gateway 2 approval.

Located adjacent to Kingston Train Station and offering a 30‑minute connection to Central London the eight‑storey scheme responds to significant undersupply of housing in the area. Rental demand is driven by young professionals and recent graduates working in London, supported by Kingston’s strong local economy across consumer, professional services and technology sectors. Unilever’s new HQ campus in Kingston Town Centre has further strengthened the market.

Construction is expected to begin imminently. Once complete, the building will offer 200 en‑suite studios at inclusive rents, supported by extensive amenity provision.

DFI is developing a bespoke lifestyle brand and plans to expand further into co‑living, focusing on locations within or close to commuting distance of Central London. The investment aligns with rising demand for affordable, flexible housing options in a market where co‑living remains undersupplied, with only around 7,000 operational beds across the capital.
DFI was advised by Eversheds, Living for Life, Savills, PwC and Quartz.

Francesco Orofino, Investment Director and Head of Hospitality at DFI, said the project represents a compelling off‑market opportunity in a high‑demand, undersupplied sector. He highlighted the aim to create a flexible, branded residential experience offering strong amenities and discounted rents relative to comparable housing.

Gavin Neilan, Founding Partner at DFI, said the investment builds on the firm’s track record of creating institutional‑grade living assets across Europe. He referenced DFI’s previous platforms, including Blaekhus, a 1,200‑unit student accommodation portfolio sold to PATRIZIA for €314 million in 2022  and Mylo Living, a Danish flex‑living platform with a 350‑unit asset in Copenhagen.