US PBSA developer acquires first UK site

Landmark Properties, the largest student housing developer in the United States, has acquired its first site in the United Kingdom with plans to develop a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central London.

The site, located on William Road in Zone 1, was secured in a deal facilitated by the Student Property team at Knight Frank. The proposed development will provide 225 student beds along with amenity space designed to meet the needs of modern student living. It is situated within walking distance of University College London (UCL), Euston Station, and Regent’s Park.

The acquisition is part of Landmark’s broader UK strategy, which includes a pipeline of more than 3,000 beds across prime university cities and central London locations. The company is partnering with Centurion Corporation on the William Road project. Centurion, a Singapore-headquartered accommodation provider, operates student housing in multiple countries and is active in five UK cities. The London scheme will be its sixth.

“We’re excited to bring much needed high-quality PBSA to the UK,” said Wes Rogers, Chairman and CEO of Landmark Properties, describing the acquisition as a key milestone for the business.

Kong Chee Min, CEO of Centurion Corporation, said the partnership with Landmark brings together Centurion’s operational experience and Landmark’s development expertise. “We are excited to expand our operational excellence to London,” he said.

The scheme will include communal areas and facilities designed around student wellbeing and contemporary needs. No delivery timeline or construction start date has been confirmed.

Commenting on the deal, Rupert Strutt, partner at Knight Frank, said Landmark’s entry into the UK market reflects ongoing international investor interest in the PBSA sector. “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,” he said.

Landmark Properties, based in Athens, Georgia, manages more than 72,000 beds in the US and is currently developing over 50 student and multifamily projects. The UK expansion aligns with its goal to establish a presence in the European student housing market.