Far East Orchard buys 49% stake in UK’s Homes For Students Limited

Homes For Students Limited is the largest independent PBSA operation in the UK.

Far East Orchard acquired a 49% stake in the United Kingdom’s largest independent purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operator, Homes For Students Limited (HFS), for $30m (£17.6m).

The Mainboard-listed company will acquire the stake from two non-management sellers.

Far East Orchard can progressively acquire the remaining 51% interest in HFS in two stages, by September 2025 and November 2030, subject to terms and conditions.

“The HFS key management team has indicated that they intend to continue to remain in the business throughout the entire duration,” the company said.

HFS operates over 40,000 beds in over 50 university towns and cities in the UK and Ireland.

Far East Orchard said the acquisition will propel its FEOR 25 strategy, expanding its capabilities and strengthening its position in the UK PBSA sector.