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European privately held asset manager Apeiron Capital has announced the launch of a new student housing platform with an initial target size of £300 mln (€416 mln).

In addition, the firm has announced its first acquisition in the student housing market with the purchase of a 100-bed student housing asset in Stratford London for £10.35 mln. The transaction offers an initial gross yield of 8.5%.

Apeiron estimates its current pipeline of near term opportunities at a further £50 mln.

Located on Stratford High Street, the asset is managed by student housing specialist The Mansion Group, and is let to Goldsmiths, University of London, which has two years left on its’ existing lease.

This deal follows Apeiron's €100 mln acquisition of a portfolio of 837 residential and 68 commercial units within 25 residential buildings in Germany undertaken in partnership with Kauri CAB Management GmbH and a global Sovereign Wealth Fund announced last month.

Vojkan Brankovic, managing partner, Apeiron Capital commented: 'The student housing market has performed well in recent years and strategically-located assets, particularly those with potential for renovation, continue to offer attractive returns for investors. The relatively opportunistic yield coupled with the potential for further rent maximisation and development will allow Apeiron Capital to employ its’ strong asset management expertise to drive returns on behalf of its investors.'

Maclay Murray & Spens and JLL acted for Apeiron.