Investing in the Future of Student Living
At SFG, we are actively seeking investment opportunities in the student accommodation sector. Our focus is on high-quality projects with strong fundamentals and the potential for long-term growth. We believe in the power of student accommodation to transform lives and communities, and we are committed to investing in projects that make a positive impact.
Ardmuir Portfolio
Following a strategic review, SFG was appointed asset manager by Trident Trustees Ltd for the 850-bed portfolio of six PBSA assets in Aberdeen and Dundee.
SFG led the transition of the portfolio from a family-owned and operated structure with c. 60% occupancy to one running efficiently and at 100% occupancy. Our strategic and operational initiatives included the evaluation and appointment of leading UK student accommodation specialist, Mezzino, to professionalise the operations and overhaul the key marketing and reporting services.
Our services included director and corporate services, strategic governance, asset, property and financial management, reporting and budgeting and oversight of the operator.
The portfolio was typically three-bedroom flats with a shared bathroom, large communal kitchen and living space, offering an independent living experience – much more like large scale HMO accommodation than traditional student halls.
Following the turnaround, SFG led the sale of the portfolio to a private investment company in August 2023. This included all due diligence relation services, negotiation of the bid and counter-bid, sale and purchase documentation and managing the transaction to successful close.
University of York
SFG introduced the opportunity to purchase a 50% stake in a joint venture with the University of York to Foresight who acquired on behalf of a major UK pension fund client.
The assets acquired (Goodricke College and Langwith College) total 1,239 beds and have been operational for c. 10 years.
Following on from our introduction of the opportunity, SFG was asked to coordinate the due diligence for the acquisition and was appointed under a long-term Management Services Agreement to provide an asset management role for Foresight and its client.
Our services include financial management, reporting and budgeting and oversight of the hard and soft FM and lifecycle services delivered by the providers along with management of the project SPVs, debt reporting and covenant management and associated reporting and filing.
