KKR and Inhabeo Commit to 544-Bed Student Housing in the UK

Global investment firm KKR, in collaboration with Inhabeo, its dedicated European living sector platform, has announced a forward funding agreement for a major student accommodation development near the University of Warwick in the UK.

The upcoming purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project will deliver 544 student beds through a mix of cluster flats and studio apartments. Developed by student housing specialist Gilltown and constructed by Winvic, the scheme is scheduled for completion in summer 2027, just ahead of the 2027/28 academic year.

Positioned close to the prestigious University of Warwick—a top 10 UK university and Russell Group member—the site will offer proximity to academic facilities and integrate modern communal indoor and outdoor amenities. It will also include commercial spaces designed to serve both residents and the local community, while targeting strong sustainability performance.

Seb d’Avanzo, Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Acquisitions for KKR in Europe, emphasized the strategic value of the project:
"We’re pleased to grow our student housing portfolio by investing in this well-located development. It reflects our focus on transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, high-quality residential communities that address real demand."

James Gillespie, Development Director at Gilltown, highlighted the partnership:
"Working with KKR and Inhabeo on this exciting project is a major milestone for us. We look forward to delivering the scheme alongside Winvic Construction."

Ross Netherway, CEO of Inhabeo, added:
"This deal marks another step forward in our commitment to the European living sector. We're proud to join forces with trusted partners like Gilltown and Winvic to realize this transformative vision."

This project extends KKR’s footprint in the UK’s PBSA market. It follows the recent completion of an 819-bed student scheme in Bristol and complements broader residential investments such as The Slate Yard in Manchester—three Build-to-Rent (BtR) properties acquired as part of KKR’s UK housing portfolio. The investment will be made primarily through KKR’s value-add and opportunistic European real estate funds.

Advisory support for the transaction included BCLP for KKR and Inhabeo, with Gilltown represented by Gunnercooke and Shoosmiths. Longstreet advised on funding arrangements.

With rising demand for quality student housing near leading academic institutions, KKR’s latest move underscores a broader strategy to address accommodation shortages while enhancing the residential experience for students across Europe.