We were commissioned to research and deliver a strategic buy-in plan for student property investment in Spain. The brief allowed full geographic flexibility, with the sole requirement being the identification of assets capable of delivering a gross yield of approximately 3.5%.
Following a detailed market review, three key university cities were assessed: Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. Each location offers strong academic credentials, international appeal and vibrant student lifestyles supported by established universities and excellent infrastructure. Madrid benefits from scale, connectivity and cultural depth; Valencia combines affordability, climate and modern appeal; while Barcelona stands out for its global reputation, architectural distinction and concentration of leading academic institutions.
The wider market context remains compelling, with over €12 billion forecast to be invested in purpose-built student accommodation across Southern and Western Europe over the next five years. Spain, in particular, suffers from limited existing PBSA supply, presenting significant growth potential. Taking economic, factors into account, we chose Barcelona.