North America

Durable demand supports sector growth, but widening dispersion is placing a premium on market selection, disciplined underwriting and experienced operators, says Mike Gordon, global CIO – real estate at Harrison Street Asset Management.

Rising construction costs are forcing developers to balance project viability with what students can realistically afford.

Inside: How low returns have investors digging into fund expenses; The 2026 Global Investor 100 – our ranking of private real estate’s largest allocators; Why flexibility is moving to the forefront for investors; A European debt roundtable; And much more…

While university consolidation, reduced competition and predictable demand are key characteristics of both markets, significant differences require a nuanced approach and local expertise, says Landmark Properties’ Walt Templin.

Sustained demand and strong returns have cemented PBSA as one of the most attractive real estate asset classes.

PERE’s investor ranking has recorded its highest-ever aggregate allocation to private real estate. But its growth says more about asset repricing than increased activity.

Student housing is more than accommodation, it is critical infrastructure supporting students and enabling university growth, explains The Dot Group’s Nick Porter.

As PBSA has evolved into a mainstream institutional asset class, the drivers of outperformance have become more nuanced.

PERE’s 2026 ranking of the world’s largest private real estate allocators has recovered the ground it lost last year, and then some.

The Dallas-based manager hit the hard-cap on its eighth and largest flagship fund to date, aiming for up to 20% returns on Sun Belt warehouses and outdoor storage.