Insights > Deals
Greystar enters Italy with Bologna student housing acquisition
27 October 2026 | Land acquisition | Italy | 400 beds | Development
The consented site will become Canvas Mascarella, with ING providing a separate green construction and VAT financing package.
Key details
Asset type | Development |
Location | Bologna, Italy |
Capacity | 400 beds |
Buyer | Greystar |
Seller | Undisclosed |
Lender | ING |
Seller | Undisclosed |
Source: Greystar
Canvas Mascarella, which has already secured a building permit, will provide 400 student beds near Porta Mascarella. Construction is set to begin immediately with general contractor Di Vincenzo Dino & C. appointed to deliver the project.
To support this development, ING has provided a €45 million financing package for Greystar comprising green construction and VAT facilities.
Strategic context
Greystar has been operating in Europe since 2013, with Italy becoming its ninth European market. This purchase is part of Greystar's expansion strategy in Italy, where it aims to develop a portfolio of at least 2,500 beds by the end of 2027. Its Canvas brand, launched in 2021, already spans seven countries, giving the Bologna project an established operating model.
Redbrick is supporting local origination for the project, while Savills Investment Management is managing the Italian investment structure.
SUBSCRIBE TO STUDENT HOUSING INSIDER
Stay close to the student housing market
Subscribe to Student Housing Insider for a weekly update on student housing transactions, development pipeline, market trends and selected BONARD analysis.
Designed for investors, developers, operators, lenders and market participants tracking the student housing sector.