Host wins management of SPH £180m student housing portfolio

We’re delighted to announce that Victoria Hall Management Ltd (VHML) – the operating company for Host, have entered into an agreement with Singapore Press Holdings’ (SPH) to become the management company of their recently acquired portfolio of 14 purpose-built student accommodation buildings across six towns and cities in the UK.

The portfolio of student accommodation purchased by SPH, having acquired from the Unite Group, has a total number of 3,436 beds across six established UK university towns and cities, including London, Birmingham Bristol, Huddersfield, Plymouth and Sheffield.

Victoria Hall Management Ltd – a well-established student accommodation developer and operational asset manager, specialising in purpose built, high quality, affordable student housing throughout the UK and Europe, will manage all 14 buildings through the student brand Host.

“This is the first purchase of student accommodation in the UK for SPH and demonstrates the continued strength of depth of the student accommodation market, it also presents us with an opportunity to grow our portfolio by acting as the management company for a new investor,” said Kevin Williamson, Investment Director at Victoria Hall Management Ltd. “We are always looking to increase our portfolio – acting for existing and new investors in the student accommodation sector, by providing strategic investment advice and securing development and operational opportunities, whilst at the same time offering excellent management services through our student facing brand, Host.”

Host, who already have a strong presence and experience of the markets in this portfolio provide students with hassle-free, all-inclusive accommodation and a welcoming, happy, reassuring and stress-free experience while at university or college.

“We are delighted to be named as the management company for SPH’s portfolio and are looking forward to working with SPH to deliver a first-class management service across the UK,” said John Nesbitt, Managing Director at Victoria Hall Management Ltd. “With 7,279 beds across 18 cities already being managed through the Host brand, we are driving business forward and accelerating our growth throughout the UK, whilst building on and maintaining the good reputation that we have earned within the industry over the past 20 years.”

The announcement comes after Host were named as winners of the prestigious UK award, ‘Best Private Halls Provider’, in the 2018 National Student Housing Awards. Host were also awarded the ‘International Accommodation Quality Mark’; an award given to providers that achieve higher than 90% satisfaction from international students.

John Ripley, National Operations Director at Host commented, “With a successful business model, experienced management team, and a proven track record, it’s an exciting time for us as we continue to expand our business across the UK.”

Host a private student accommodation provider, is the student facing brand for Victoria Hall Management Ltd, offering all-inclusive student accommodation in the UK and Europe. Host currently has 10,715 beds across 19 cities for the 2018/19 academic year, with 800 beds already in development for the 2019/20 intake. Visit www.host-students.com for more information.