Yugo and Zanklon Capital Partner on Major Student Housing Development in Sicily  

Global student housing brand and operator Yugo will operate three new purpose-built residences providing 1,836 student beds in Messina.  

Developed by Zanklon Capital, the project marks one of Yugo’s largest strategic European partnerships to date. 

Yugo has signed a major long-term agreement with Zanklon Capital, an independent Italian real estate investment and development firm, to operate three new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) residences in Messina, Sicily. The agreement will cement Yugo’s position as the dominant student housing brand and operator in the Italian market.

The three properties are due to open for the 2029/30 academic year and will provide 1,836 student beds. The development represents a significant milestone for Messina’s student accommodation sector and will bring Yugo’s Italian portfolio to more than 5,500 beds across eight cities: Florence, Bologna, Turin, Rome, Pisa, Padua, Milan and Messina. It also strengthens Yugo's role in bringing global expertise to Italy’s purpose-built student accommodation sector, one of Europe's most structurally undersupplied student housing markets.

Zanklon Capital is developing the three residences as local sponsor alongside its institutional capital partners. The three residences will consist predominantly of self-contained studios with private kitchens, offering students quality, comfort and independence. They will also offer almost 9,000 square metres of communal space, including study and meeting areas, fitness and wellbeing facilities, social spaces and outdoor areas.  

Yugo will lead the design of all three assets, including the selection of furniture, fixtures and equipment, and operate them once open. Yugo’s research-led approach draws on insights gathered from more than 7,500 students globally each year, creating communities where students thrive at each stage of their journey, and delivering long-term value for partners.  

Robin Moorcroft, Senior VP Commercial at Yugo, said: “Students want more than a room. They want community, support and a place to thrive. That’s what excited us about this partnership with Zanklon Capital in Messina – bringing everything we know, from design through to operations, to help students live their best lives while creating lasting value for our partners.” 

Natale Giostra, Managing Partner at Zanklon Capital, said: “With its longstanding academic tradition, Messina has the potential to become a leading destination for high-quality student accommodation in Europe. Bringing Yugo’s global expertise to the city represents an important investment in its future.” 

“Our ambition extends beyond creating new buildings. Together with Yugo, we will deliver vibrant, multicultural communities that welcome students from around the world, create opportunities for local young people and contribute to the continued growth of Messina and its economy.  

“We also look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate with the University of Messina as part of our commitment to delivering high-quality student accommodation in Sicily.” 

The agreement builds on Yugo’s continued growth across Europe, including portfolio expansion in France, new openings in Poland and significant operating agreements secured across Italy.