Far East Orchard Limited has strengthened its presence in the United Kingdom’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) market after increasing its stake in Homes for Students (HFS) to 84%, completing the second stage of a phased acquisition.
The deal follows the Singapore-listed company’s £25 million (approximately S$43.3 million) investment for a 35% interest in HFS, lifting its stake from 49% to 84%. With this milestone, HFS, one of the UK’s leading PBSA operators, has officially become a subsidiary of Far East Orchard.
The latest acquisition builds on the Group’s initial 49% investment in April 2024. Far East Orchard plans to acquire the remaining stake in HFS by November 2030, subject to the agreed terms of the sale and purchase agreement.
Alan Tang, Group Chief Executive Officer of Far East Orchard, said the move was a key step in scaling the Group’s lodging platform.
“This is a strategic step forward in scaling our lodging platform and creating long-term value. We will look to unlock greater synergies, accelerate growth, and enhance our integrated lodging platform. Working closely with the HFS management team, we will continue to grow the business, explore new opportunities, and expand recurring income streams to deliver lasting value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”
HFS Co-CEOs Martin Corbett and Graham Rogers will remain in their leadership roles, driving the company’s ongoing expansion across the UK and Europe and ensuring the delivery of services to clients and residents in its managed properties.
With HFS now under its control, Far East Orchard is positioned to leverage greater scale, enhance operational efficiency, and further expand its UK student accommodation portfolio.
