Mapletree marks entry into Australia’s student housing market

It will build an 835-bed student accommodation.

Temasek-owned Mapletree Investments has marked its entry into Australia’s student housing market with the acquisition of a 1,398 square-metre land site in Perth.

According to the company, it will build an 835-bed student housing asset at the site along Wellington Street.

“Perth remains one of Australia’s most undersupplied central business districts (CBD) for student accommodation despite being home to many prestigious institutions. Our latest investment reflects the Group’s strategy to leverage our real estate capabilities to deepen focus on student housing as a core sector,” said Matt Walker, CEO, Student Housing, Mapletree.

The proprietary is located in a major transportation hub in the CBD, offering access to transportation nodes including the Perth Underground Station, Perth Airport and various city bus services. It is also near the Edith Cowan University (ECU) (350 metres  away) and Curtin University Law School (900 metres away).

Perth’s first city-based campus ECU City Campus, located within a 3-minute walk from the development, is set to open in 2026.

Mapletree’s development is expected to be completed by 2027, and will feature an open communal rooftop recreational area co nected via a common lobby to outdoor lounge and terrace areas along with internal dining and game amenities with full-height external glazing maximising city views and beyond.

There will also be green spaces for studying and relaxation, leisure facilities such as an on-site café, gym, music room and cinema.

The development will aim to achieve 5 Green Star rating, certified under the Green Building Council of Australia’s v1 rating tool.

Since entering the student housing market in 2016, Mapletree has grown its portfolio to 79 properties with over 27,800 beds across the US, UK,  Canada and Germany.