Landmark Properties, the largest student housing developer in the United States, has completed its first UK land deal.
It has secured a central London site on William Road for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme.
The development, assisted by Knight Frank's student property team, will deliver 225 high-quality student beds along with shared amenities.
Situated in London's Zone 1, the location places future residents within walking distance of University College London, Euston Station and Regent's Park.
First UK student housing deal
The firm's chairman and chief executive, Wes Rogers, said: "Closing our first development deal in the UK represents a huge milestone for Landmark.
"We're excited to bring much needed high-quality PBSA to the UK."
Landmark has teamed up with Centurion Corporation, a leading provider of student accommodation on the William Road scheme.
Centurion's chief executive, Kong Chee Min, said: "Centurion brings deep operational experience and a strong track record in managing student accommodation, with a global PBSA footprint across the UK, Australia, the United States and China.
"Together with Landmark's proven development expertise, we are excited to expand our operational excellence to London, our sixth city in the UK, and deliver a premium purpose-built student accommodation."
UK's sector is 'less mature'
The project marks Landmark's official entry into the UK market, forming part of a broader expansion strategy.
That includes a pipeline of more than 3,000 beds across several regional cities and prime central London sites.
The company has also launched operations in Ireland.
When Landmark unveiled its UK ambitions for student housing in May last year, Mr Rogers said: "We are thrilled to announce our expansion into the European market.
"We see a tremendous opportunity to develop purpose-built student housing in the UK and Ireland and are confident that our expertise in developing high-quality student accommodations will be well-received."
The developer believes that the UK and Ireland offer attractive opportunities for student housing development due to a supply-demand imbalance.
Also, there's potential for growth with rising student numbers and, it says, the UK has a 'less mature market than the US'.
International interest in PBSA
Knight Frank's student property partner, Rupert Strutt, said the move highlights international confidence in the UK's PBSA sector.
He said: "There is a great appetite for well-located, high-quality schemes and overseas investors are particularly attracted to UK PBSA as the demand continues to outstrip supply.
"As we progress through 2025, the sector remains well-positioned for another year of robust investment."
Landmark currently manages more than 72,000 student beds across the US, with a substantial pipeline of new schemes in both student and multifamily sectors.
Its entry into the UK underlines the growing appeal of student housing among international investors seeking stable, income-generating assets.
AustralianSuper also invests
That international appetite has been demonstrated this week by Australia's largest pension fund, AustralianSuper.
It has committed £500 million to UK living sector investments, including student housing, co-living and rental homes.
Its first UK project, a student scheme in Bristol, is due for completion in 2027.
The fund's deputy chief investment officer, Damian Moloney, said the UK is an attractive global investment destination.
It will invest more than £8 billion of new capital into the UK by 2030.
UK's student accommodation sector
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Landlords, said: "The arrival of major US and Australian investors highlights just how valuable, and resilient, the UK's student accommodation sector has become.
"However, private landlords shouldn't view this as competition, but as confirmation that they're in one of the strongest asset classes in property."
He added: "Demand for quality student housing is growing every year, yet the supply gap remains.
"Students still want choice, flexibility and that personal connection with their accommodation provider."
