Greystar Assumes Operations of Copenhagen Student Housing Portfolio
Press Release
July 10, 2025
Copenhagen, 9 July 2025 – Greystar, a global leader in rental housing, is now operational in Denmark following the completion of its acquisition of three purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) assets in Copenhagen. The operational properties - located in Amager, Nordhavn and Frederiksberg - are part of a 1,758-bed portfolio, which also includes a fourth asset in Valby. The transaction for the Valby property is expected to complete later this year, at which point it will come under Greystar’s ownership and management.
This marks a significant milestone in Greystar’s ongoing European expansion and its formal entry into the Danish market. The newly developed portfolio was acquired from Nrep, the real estate arm of Urban Partners. The operational assets were originally delivered under Nrep’s UMEUS student housing brand.
Mark Kuijpers, Senior Managing Director – Central Europe, Greystar, said: "This is an important milestone for Greystar as we take our first steps into the Nordic region. We are approaching this transition with respect for what has already been built, and our immediate priority is to ensure continuity for residents and deliver an exceptional customer service experience from day one.”
Greystar will initially continue to operate the properties as student accommodation under their existing identity. The company plans to transition the properties to its European-wide Canvas brand later in 2025 to ensure a measured and resident-first approach to change.
Kuijpers added: “We are taking the time to listen to residents, understand their needs, and build the relationship. A smooth and seamless transition is our top priority and the on-site teams, which will join the Greystar family, will be focused on ensuring high levels of resident satisfaction and operational excellence.”
To reinforce its long-term commitment to Denmark, Greystar has appointed Martin Christensen as Regional Operations Manager., based in Copenhagen. His leadership will support local decision-making, cultural understanding, and alignment with the expectations of Danish students and institutional partners.
Kuijpers said: "Having strong local operational leadership is essential. We’re here for the long term, and we want to contribute positively to the Danish student housing ecosystem in partnership with educational institutions, city officials, residents, and the wider community.”
All existing resident agreements remain unchanged, and the properties - designed to high sustainability standards including A-equivalent energy ratings and solar PV - will continue to be operated in line with Nrep's original set up.
Greystar’s entry into Denmark marks its eighth European market and reflects its ongoing investment in high-quality rental housing across the region, where it has been active since 2013.
This marks a significant milestone in Greystar’s ongoing European expansion and its formal entry into the Danish market. The newly developed portfolio was acquired from Nrep, the real estate arm of Urban Partners. The operational assets were originally delivered under Nrep’s UMEUS student housing brand.
Mark Kuijpers, Senior Managing Director – Central Europe, Greystar, said: "This is an important milestone for Greystar as we take our first steps into the Nordic region. We are approaching this transition with respect for what has already been built, and our immediate priority is to ensure continuity for residents and deliver an exceptional customer service experience from day one.”
Greystar will initially continue to operate the properties as student accommodation under their existing identity. The company plans to transition the properties to its European-wide Canvas brand later in 2025 to ensure a measured and resident-first approach to change.
Kuijpers added: “We are taking the time to listen to residents, understand their needs, and build the relationship. A smooth and seamless transition is our top priority and the on-site teams, which will join the Greystar family, will be focused on ensuring high levels of resident satisfaction and operational excellence.”
To reinforce its long-term commitment to Denmark, Greystar has appointed Martin Christensen as Regional Operations Manager., based in Copenhagen. His leadership will support local decision-making, cultural understanding, and alignment with the expectations of Danish students and institutional partners.
Kuijpers said: "Having strong local operational leadership is essential. We’re here for the long term, and we want to contribute positively to the Danish student housing ecosystem in partnership with educational institutions, city officials, residents, and the wider community.”
All existing resident agreements remain unchanged, and the properties - designed to high sustainability standards including A-equivalent energy ratings and solar PV - will continue to be operated in line with Nrep's original set up.
Greystar’s entry into Denmark marks its eighth European market and reflects its ongoing investment in high-quality rental housing across the region, where it has been active since 2013.