Unity Living acquires Helsinki student housing buildings from Ylva

The Student Union of the University of Helsinki’s subsidiary Ylva has sold two Domus Academica buildings in the Leppäsuo district to Unity Living, ensuring the properties will remain student housing, Yle Uutiset reports.

The deal covers the C and D buildings of the Domus Academica complex, which contain 229 rental apartments along with restaurant, office, and commercial spaces. According to Ylva, the sale resolves the financial restructuring of the Student Union’s real estate debt.

Unity Living, a joint venture between German student housing specialist MESH Group and Canadian real estate investor Brookfield, operates in the Nordic housing market under its own brand. The company has confirmed it will maintain the buildings for student use, with no changes to existing tenancy agreements.

The Domus Academica C and D buildings, completed in 1952 and 1968, have historically housed student accommodation alongside facilities such as a student library, university lecture halls, and a hostel. The A and B buildings were previously sold to the Helsinki Region Student Housing Foundation (Hoas).

The purchase price has not been disclosed, as agreed by both parties.