Investing Talks
Name: João Afonso Teixeira
Age: 41
Country of birth: Portugal
City of residence: Porto
Biographical note:
Director of Liv Student Campus Street, he has an established track record in operational and property management.
With experience in the hospitality sector and asset management, he has a strategic eye for the evolution of the student residences market, focusing on innovation and the resident experience.
He currently leads the Liv Student Campus Street operation, contributing to the growth of the brand and the provision of quality student accommodation in Portugal.
Can you tell us a bit about your career path before joining Liv Student?
Before joining Liv Student, I worked in different segments of the property and hotel accommodation sector, acquiring a comprehensive view of customer needs and efficient property management.
This experience allowed me to bring a strategic, customer-centred approach to my role at Liv Student.
"There are great opportunities for investors and operators who can offer innovative and sustainable solutions, with efficient management models and a focus on the student experience."
How would you describe Liv Student and what is its position in the student residence market in Portugal?
Liv Student is an innovative brand in the PBSA (Purpose Build Student Accommodation) segment, offering a concept that combines comfort, modern design, quality services and an enriching community experience.
In Portugal, we have positioned ourselves as the benchmark for students looking not only for accommodation, but also for a dynamic and safe environment in which to study and socialise.
Our approach is differentiated by our focus on the resident experience, with spaces designed to promote well-being, academic and work success and interaction between students.
How do you see the demand for student accommodation in Portugal evolving in recent years?
Demand for student accommodation has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the increase in the number of university students and the growth in international academic mobility.
Portugal has become an attractive destination for foreign students, which has created additional pressure on the student accommodation market.
Supply has tried to keep up with demand, but there is still an imbalance in some cities, if not all.
What are the main challenges and opportunities in this segment of the property market?
The main challenges include a shortage of supply in the face of growing demand, high construction costs and regulatory and bureaucratic processes that can delay new projects.
On the other hand, there are great opportunities for investors and operators who can offer innovative and sustainable solutions, with efficient management models and a focus on the student experience.
How does Liv Student differentiate itself from the competition in terms of its offer and experience for residents?
Our difference lies in the quality of the facilities, the wide range of services included and the focus on creating a vibrant and engaging community.
We offer modern, comfortable rooms, carefully designed common spaces and a programme of activities designed to promote student integration and well-being.
In addition, we have a trained team dedicated to supporting residents, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience during their stay.
The student residence market is attracting more and more investors. What factors make this segment so attractive?
The PBSA segment is attractive due to its stability and the growing demand from national and international students.
What's more, this is a market that offers consistent returns, medium/long-term accommodation contracts and a relatively low risk compared to other property segments.
How do you assess the impact of the growing demand for student accommodation on the development of new property projects?
Growing demand has encouraged the development of new projects and the refurbishment of buildings for this purpose.
However, the speed at which supply is growing is still not keeping up with demand, which has led to an increase in prices and the need to occupy the market that would have been destined for "traditional" rentals for this purpose.
Do you think there is a significant shortage of student residences in Portugal? Which cities are most lacking in this respect?
Yes, there is a significant shortage of supply, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where property pressure is strongest.
Other university cities, such as Coimbra and Braga, also face challenges in accommodating all the students.
What is the role of the private sector in filling this gap and how can it collaborate with public institutions?
The private sector has a crucial role to play in expanding supply, and can collaborate with public institutions to develop joint projects, streamline regulatory processes and ensure that students' needs are met in an accessible and sustainable way.
Are there any regulatory or bureaucratic challenges that hinder the development of new student residences in Portugal?
Yes, the licensing processes and urban planning restrictions in Portugal can be lengthy and complex, delaying the implementation of new projects.
Greater flexibility and clarity in regulations could facilitate the development of the sector.
There is also a kind of "grey area" of what is considered Student Residence, an area that is mixed between the Hospitality area and the Traditional Rental area.
How do you assess the impact of the presence of international students on the dynamics of the Portuguese property market?
The growth in the number of international students has boosted demand for student accommodation and contributed to the diversification of the property market, making Portugal a globally recognised academic destination.
Sustainability has been a central theme in the property sector. How does Liv Student incorporate sustainable practices into its projects?
We integrate energy efficiency solutions, sustainable materials and responsible resource management to reduce the environmental impact of our homes.
But I think the biggest job is to create this awareness in our residents and thus make these practices part of their lives and take them to other areas of action that they will be involved in in the future.
Digitalisation and technology are transforming the resident experience. What innovations has Liv Student implemented to improve the student experience?
LIV Student has focused on digitalisation, with apps for managing operations and services such as electronic keys, high-speed Wi-Fi and technologically equipped study and leisure spaces.
How do you see the future of student residences in Portugal? Are there any plans to expand Liv Student to new cities or markets?
I think it's a promising future, with new opportunities for expansion in university cities and continuous improvement of the services offered. Liv Student is on the lookout for new growth opportunities in the Portuguese and European markets.
For those looking to invest in this sector, what advice would you give and what are the critical factors to take into account to ensure a successful project?
The student residences sector continues to be a great opportunity for investment and collaboration between the private and public sectors. We believe that an innovative and sustainable approach is essential to meet growing demand and improve the student experience.
Would you like to leave a message for the stakeholders in the property sector who are with us at the Investing Talks at Invest 351?
The PBSA market in Portugal is a market that continues to show enormous potential for growth and innovation. Collaboration between investors, operators and public bodies will be essential to ensure that supply keeps pace with demand in a sustainable way for the various players.
