Global Models, Local Lessons

Student Housing: Global Models, Local Lessons — What It Takes to Deliver at Scale in a Fragmented Market

From France to Spain, Germany to Japan, and across the UK—student housing isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Operators working across borders are being challenged to balance cultural nuance, product expectations, and operational scale like never before. 

What’s the podcast about

Listen to the full episode for insight into: 

• Why the UK model doesn’t always translate—and where it does 

• How the domestic vs. international student mix shapes product design 

• Operational challenges in legacy markets like France and Spain 

• The rise of hybrid models, flexible catering, and varied tenancy types 

• How investor strategies vary from long-term hold to short-term flip 

• Key lessons from the UK market—and why parent influence matters 

• Using AI and outsourcing to optimise cost without compromising experience 

• Where the next wave of growth is coming from—Italy, Poland, Australia, and more 

About our guests

Philip Hillman is a Senior Consultant at QX Global Group and one of the earliest advisors to the UK’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector. With over 35 years in real estate and leadership roles at JLL—including Chairman of Living Capital Markets—Philip has helped shape the sector through landmark transactions and strategic advisory. A regular speaker at industry events, he brings a deep understanding of the Living sectors across the UK and Europe. 

Joe Persechino is the Chief Operating Officer at Yugo, where he leads operations across 100,000+ student beds in 14 countries. With over 20 years of experience in global student and residential housing, Joe has built and scaled high-performing teams across major markets, including the US and Europe. A specialist in operational real estate, he brings a dual focus on enhancing the student experience and driving investor value. From launching new platforms to refining service models, Joe combines deep sector knowledge with a hands-on, global perspective.