位于布里斯班CBD的学生公寓。（《澳洲人报》图片）

The Australian newspaper reported that many large institutional investors are beginning to join the customized student dormitory (PBSA) building, attracted by considerable potential returns, making it unlikely that the pace of construction in Australian capital cities will slow down.

This week, the real estate fund association (Property Funds Association) meeting held in Adelaide. Speaking at the meeting, Pierre (Tim Peel), chief financial officer of student apartment developer Scape, said special dormitories had become a mainstream investment category and were recognized by large institutional investors. Australia is the world's third-largest market for international students, behind the United States and the UK, so it attracts more and more investors. They realize that Australia will be the next development market in the area of student accommodation construction. Over the past few years, many new companies have poured into the market.

In addition, while student apartment construction is now active, supply is still scarce relative to the number of students in Australia.

Last week, Scape received A $250 million from Allianz Insurance's (Allianz) real estate unit, which the company will use to develop projects in major Australian state capital cities.

Last Monday, the Australian newspaper also reported that, Cedar Pacific wanted to raise A $600m to invest in new student dormitory projects.

At present, Sydney and Melbourne have the largest demand for student dormitories, with the ratio of students to beds being only 10 per cent, according to Pierre. Australia's hottest destination for overseas students is Melbourne, which has two prestigious universities near CBD alone. While it is difficult for schools to provide adequate accommodation for students, they are very motivated to increase the number of foreign students.