Global Student Accommodation (GSA), the global leader in student housing, and Cain, a global real estate investment manager, have established a joint venture to develop a new 561-bed student residence in Rome’s Prenestino district.

As part of the transaction, RYZE acted as Technical Advisor on behalf of Cheyne Capital, the lender, overseeing the Technical Due Diligence and Project Monitoring activities, while also supporting the client in the structuring and completion of the project financing.

The transaction represents Cain’s first investment in Italy through its European purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) platform. For GSA, it marks a further step in its growth and expansion strategy in the Italian market.

The new Prenestino development aims to become one of the flagship student housing projects in Rome. As part of a broader urban regeneration initiative, the residence has been designed with a strong focus on environmental performance and sustainability, with the goal of achieving a high-level LEED certification and meeting the decarbonization standards set out by the CRREM pathway.

One of the project's distinguishing features is its residential concept. Each room type has been carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of the international student population. In particular, shared twin rooms will serve as a more affordable entry-level option compared to traditional premium accommodations, encouraging social interaction and integration among students arriving in the city for the first time. The objective is to create an inclusive community in which all residents have equal access to services, communal spaces, and opportunities to participate in the residence’s academic and social life.

From a mobility perspective, the project will benefit from a future connection to the new tram line, enabling students to reach some of the city’s main university campuses in less than thirty minutes, including the Sapienza University of Rome, LUISS Guido Carli, and UniCamillus.

The initiative has already received all major administrative approvals. Building permits have been issued, and both environmental and archaeological assessments have been successfully completed. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with completion scheduled in time for the 2028–2029 academic year. Upon completion, Prenestino will be operated by GSA’s global operating partner, Yugo.