Exploring the Evolving Global Student Housing Market with John Jacobs of GSA Group

The student housing market has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors within global real estate. With demand for high-quality student accommodation surging, international capital is increasingly recognising the sector’s potential as a stable and lucrative asset class. At the forefront of this transformation is Global Student Accommodation, GSA. As part of the leadership team, John Jacobs, Global Head of Capital Markets has played an integral role in guiding the business to become a global leader in the student housing industry, managing a portfolio spanning 80 cities across 11 countries and assets exceeding $7 billion. GSA’s impressive growth and steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional student accommodation have cemented its position as a trailblazer in the sector. In this exclusive discussion, we delve into John’s insights on the evolving student housing market, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Global Expansion and DiversificationJohn Jacobs’ professional journey has taken him around the globe, and GSA reflects his global perspective. Recently, the company expanded its European footprint, by acquiring significant student housing assets, including entering Italy with a 515-bed development site in Milan, and forming a new joint venture to enter into the French market with Nuveen Real Estate through an impressive €540 million deal. This portfolio includes 18 operational assets and four development sites across five leading educational cities. John explains, “We’ve become one of the most globally diversified investment managers in the student housing market. Our international portfolio now includes markets from the US to Australia, and Europe in between, and we’re proud to be a leader in this space.” He emphasises that GSA’s impressive growth stems from a commitment to being a long-term player, combining operational excellence and a strategic vision.The Rise of Institutional Capital in Student HousingThe student housing sector has witnessed a marked shift in how institutional investors view it. Once considered an alternative asset class, student housing is now firmly embedded within the global investment landscape. “Five years ago, student housing was still a niche sector, but today it has become a mainstream investment,” says John. “Private equity giants like Blackstone, GIC, and Brookfield are now making large-scale investments in this space.” He notes that the sector’s proven resilience—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—has made it an attractive asset class for investors seeking stability and strong returns.This growing investor interest is not surprising given the sector’s long-term growth potential. John highlights that the student housing market remains robust due to its close ties with universities in some of the world’s most prestigious cities. “When you combine the academic reputation of top-tier universities with the attractiveness of global cities like London, Paris, or New York, you have a very compelling investment proposition,” he says. This model of investing in student accommodation near world-renowned universities has provided GSA with a unique opportunity to deliver attractive returns, even during challenging times. The Importance of Data and Location-Driven StrategiesA critical component of GSA’s success is its data-driven approach to location selection. John is adamant that GSA’s global reach is driven by meticulous research and analytics that pinpoint the best locations for student housing investments. “It’s not just about picking a city and building there,” John explains. “We look at the strength of universities, the academic programs they offer, and the student demand in specific areas. It’s a hyper-location driven strategy.”For GSA, understanding the nuances of...