2024 Case Study: 1 Asset Management Expands Student Housing in Poland
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About 1 Asset Management
1 Asset Management is an investment management company that partners with institutional and private investors to unlock growth opportunities in niche asset classes. Their diverse portfolio includes modern student housing, historic and airport hotels, veterinary clinics, forests, private debt in the CEE region, and high-cap U.S.-listed companies. With a comprehensive approach, they manage investments from inception to exit, focusing on projects that adapt to a changing world.
2024 Standout Investment: Warsaw Student Housing Expansion
1 Asset Management’s standout achievement in 2024 was the acquisition of two office buildings in Warsaw’s Lipowy Office Park that will be transformed into purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). This €50 million investment, under the SHED Living brand, will add 640 affordable and modern rooms to accommodate 752 r students in the prestigious Ochota district. Located near major universities, including Warsaw Medical University and institutions focused on applied sciences, the project addresses a growing demand for student housing in Poland.
Overall, the fund has already secured the pipeline, financing, and construction of student housing projects to accommodate 1,800 students in the Polish cities of Warsaw, Wrocław, and Gdańsk. Four buildings—two in Warsaw, one in Wrocław, and one in Gdańsk—are due to be constructed in 2025-2027.
The success of this project is part of the CEE Student Housing Fund's broader mission, which has attracted €112 million to expand PBSA in Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries. €50 million of these funds were committed by the European Investment Fund (EIF).
Additionally, the fund has begun exploring opportunities in the North American market, such as Toronto, to meet the global demand for high-quality, affordable student accommodation.
Impact Beyond Returns
1 Asset Management’s investments go beyond financial returns, improving the quality of life for students. By creating accessible, affordable housing, they foster educational growth and stability in Poland and beyond.
Key Factors Driving the Investment
The decision to expand into Poland was primarily driven by its market potential:
Growing Demand: Poland hosts 1.2 million students, with Warsaw alone accommodating over 220,000. This makes it the largest academic center in the CEE region.
Strategic Location: The project is situated in Warsaw's Ochota district, home to many of the city’s top universities and a vibrant student population.
Strong Fundamentals: The increasing student population and a scarcity of high-quality, affordable accommodation underscore the investment's growth potential.
Future Outlook: Trends and Shifts in 2025
1 Asset Management anticipates several key developments in the private equity landscape for 2025:
Focus on Sustainability: ESG factors will remain central, with institutional investors emphasizing the adoption of better practices across markets.
Cross-Border Transactions: The easing of geopolitical tensions and decreasing interest rates are expected to attract more international players to CEE markets.
Cheaper Financing: Lower interest rates will unlock additional growth opportunities and increase valuations, fostering a robust environment for innovation and expansion.
As the demand for sustainable and socially impactful investments continues to rise, 1 Asset Management is poised to solidify further its position as a leader in the PBSA sector across Europe and North America.
