Blackstone, the largest owner of commercial real estate worldwide, is turning its attention to the student housing rental market. During CNBC’s Delivering Alpha conference, Kathleen McCarthy, Blackstone’s global co-head of real estate, emphasized the strong cash flow growth potential of student housing. With universities facing increased demand and a growing student population, McCarthy sees student housing as a significant opportunity for Blackstone and its investors. She mentioned the acquisition of American Campus Communities as a way to work with universities in increasing the supply of student housing and highlighted the resiliency of the rental housing sector.
In addition to the United States, Blackstone has also made investments in student housing markets in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. McCarthy pointed out that these countries view education as a thriving export industry, seizing the opportunity to attract international students seeking English-language degrees. However, to support this growth, adequate housing solutions need to be provided. Therefore, Blackstone is keen on capitalizing on these global opportunities in student housing. Alongside student accommodations, McCarthy also highlighted datacenters and logistics as promising areas in real estate due to the surge in artificial intelligence and online shopping.
Blackstone’s focus on the student housing market reflects its understanding of the evolving demands in the real estate industry. By recognizing the increasing need for student housing and the potential for growth in this sector, the company aims to generate strong cash flow and consistent performance for its investors. Additionally, Blackstone’s investments in international markets reveal its strategic approach to capitalizing on opportunities abroad. With its extensive experience and resources, Blackstone positions itself to take advantage of the evolving dynamics in the student housing and real estate markets.