M&G Real Estate adds over 1,000 student beds in UK and Portugal

M&G Real Estate has expanded its student accommodation holdings by adding over 1,000 new beds across three PBSA properties in Lisbon, Manchester, and Nottingham. 

Martin Towns

These additions bring their total portfolio to over 9,000 beds across the UK, Europe, and Asia, highlighting M&G's strategy to invest in high-quality assets in high-demand university cities.
In Lisbon, M&G finished "The Mile," a €35 mln, 333-bed development that helps address a severe shortage of student housing in the city. This residence boasts premium living spaces and amenities like a pool and gym.
In Manchester, M&G's value-add manager, BauMont Real Estate Capital, acquired "Ropemaker Court" for £42 mln (€48 mln). This 416-bed property will be refurbished to improve its facilities and energy efficiency.
Finally, in Nottingham, M&G completed "Fabric," a £48 mln (€41 mln), 323-bed development now open for the 2025/26 academic year. "Fabric" offers modern en-suite and studio rooms with amenities like a gym and cinema, reflecting M&G's focus on student needs, sustainability, and design.
Martin Towns, global head of M&G Real Estate, said: "The student accommodation sector is one of real estate’s most dynamic markets. With surging student populations that are increasingly mobile and a chronic undersupply of quality housing across major university cities, the sector offers unmatched potential for stable, long-term returns and portfolio diversification. Importantly, this is not a one-size-fits-all market. We see strong potential across a spectrum of investment strategies, from long-term core holdings to value-add opportunities, and our teams have consistently demonstrated the ability to execute across that range.
While demand remains robust, recent occupational challenges in the UK highlight the need for selectivity and strong focus on specific asset types, prime locations, and partnerships with leading universities to ensure long-term resilience and performance. This disciplined approach allows us to shape vibrant , sustainable urban communities, while maintaining high occupancy rates and resilient rental yields. As demand continues to outpace supply, the sector’s growth trajectory is set to accelerate, making now the optimal moment for investors to capitalise on one of real estate’s most dynamic markets.”