Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Catella Investment Management (CIM), in partnership with Catella APAM Property Ltd, has acquired a modern student residential complex in Dublin’s historic Liberties district. The acquisition was made on behalf of the Article 9 fund Catella European Residential III (CER III), which now holds nearly €1.1 billion in assets across approximately 4,000 residential units in ten European countries.
Completed in 2019, the purpose-built property offers around 6,200 square metres of gross lettable area, including 207 student bedrooms arranged across three to six floors. The building includes shared kitchens, lounges, study areas, and a variety of communal amenities such as a gym, cinema room, gaming lounge, laundry facilities, parcel room, and a roof terrace. A café occupies part of the ground floor, complementing the social spaces and landscaped courtyard.
“Since Brexit, Ireland has become increasingly attractive to international students,” said Michael Keune, Managing Director of CIM. “Demand for dedicated student housing continues to outpace supply in Dublin, with roughly 4.5 students competing for every available bed. This shortage, combined with rising private rental prices, underlines the need for new, well-managed student accommodation.”
Conor O’Gallagher, Director and Head of Ireland at Catella APAM Property Ltd, added: “Student housing plays a vital role in maintaining accessibility to education in high-cost urban markets. By expanding this segment, we are supporting both academic mobility and urban development in a sustainable way.”
Located within walking distance of several major universities and colleges that together host more than 80,000 students, the property benefits from excellent transport links, including tram and bus connections and proximity to Heuston Station. The Liberties area itself has seen substantial regeneration in recent years, becoming a mixed-use urban district combining housing, retail, and hospitality developments.
Launched in 2019, Catella European Residential III invests in energy-efficient, affordable housing assets across Europe, with a focus on urban growth regions. The fund’s portfolio includes a mix of traditional residential, student housing, senior living, and serviced apartments, reflecting Catella’s strategy of diversification and long-term value creation in Europe’s residential markets.
