Europa Capital has launched a UK student housing fund with developer and operator Generation Estates.

The Europa Generation Student Fund will target prime, purpose-built assets across the country.

The venture has used Europa’s balance sheet to acquire a £165m (€187m) seed portfolio.

The portfolio of 1,705 beds is spread across six schemes currently being developed by Watkin Jones Group.

The projects in Bath, Newcastle, Sheffield, Aberdeen and Bournemouth are due for delivery during the 2018-19 academic year, while the Oxford scheme will be ready the following year.

Europa Capital said it is focused on developement opportunities – as well selective acquisitions of existing assets – with potential for long-term sustainable income growth.

The fund will aim to build a portfolio of around 5,000 beds over the next few years.

Hugo Black, partner at Europa Capital, said: “Europa Generation is being launched to capitalise on the continuing shortfall of high quality, purpose-built student accommodation in top-tier university towns and cities across the UK as illustrated by the seed portfolio we have secured.”