Summary:
- Scion Group and Ares Management formed a joint venture to acquire a 12-property student housing portfolio for $910 million, totaling 7,578 beds at $120,000 per bed, marking a significant investment in the sector.
- The portfolio, sold by Harrison Street Asset Management, includes assets near major universities such as Auburn, Arizona State, Ohio State, and Washington State, highlighting strategic locations across key college markets.
- Despite steady demand driven by a 1.8 percent rise in college enrollment and strong pre-leasing, rent growth slowed to 0.4 percent year-over-year in early 2026, down from 3.5 percent the previous year, indicating a cooling rental market.
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