Director Student Accommodation in London

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. We are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our Principal-led, privately-owned model offers every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, giving our people a real say in the future direction and operation of our business.

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Director to join our Student Accommodation Investment team. The successful candidate will lead on sourcing, structuring, and executing investment transactions in the UK and European student housing sector, as well as developing and maintaining client relationships with institutional investors, operators, and developers. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep sector knowledge, proven deal-making ability, and the capacity to contribute to the continued growth of Avison Young’s alternatives platform.

• Transaction Leadership: Lead the acquisition, disposal, and structuring of student accommodation investment opportunities on behalf of institutional and private clients.
• Business Development: Originate new mandates, foster client relationships, and contribute to growing Avison Young’s profile in the student housing sector.
• Financial Analysis: Oversee the preparation and review of financial models, investment appraisals, and underwriting assumptions.
• Client Advisory: Provide strategic advice to investors, developers, and operators on market trends, funding structures, and portfolio strategies.
• Due Diligence: Manage full due diligence processes including financial, legal, technical, and operational reviews.
• Market Insight: Monitor and report on student accommodation trends, supply/demand dynamics, planning policy, and investor sentiment.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor junior team members, ensuring high-quality outputs and professional development.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across Capital Markets, Valuation, Planning, and Development Consultancy to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
• ESG & Compliance: Ensure all advice and transactions meet regulatory, risk, and sustainability requirements.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years’ experience in real estate investment, with a strong track record in student accommodation or alternative residential sectors.
• Proven ability to originate, structure, and close complex investment transactions.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European student housing markets, including key demand drivers and development pipeline.
• Excellent financial modelling and appraisal skills; ability to challenge and validate assumptions.
• Established network of investors, operators, and developers active in the sector.
• Strong negotiation and client-facing skills.
• Degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or related discipline (postgraduate qualification preferred).
• Professional accreditation (MRICS, CFA, or equivalent) desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing and mentoring teams.

Personal Attributes:

• Commercially minded and entrepreneurial, with the ability to identify and convert new business opportunities.
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented, while capable of strategic and creative thinking.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Motivated, resilient, and adaptable in a dynamic market environment.

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do. We’ve increased diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. We are committed to empowering women and have a Women’s Network of more than 500 members. Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to increase industry access for underrepresented groups and accelerate initiatives led by employee resource groups, including Women’s Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. Our culture is underpinned by diversity, inclusion, and well-being, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture that empowers all employees to thrive, reflects all backgrounds and talents, and fosters belonging. Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equitable treatment for all applicants. If you need adjustments to support your application, please contact us.