News Summary
Morgan Stanley Investment Management and The Scion Group have entered a joint venture to acquire a $262 million student housing portfolio near the University of Mississippi. The acquisition includes over 600 residential units, providing more than 2,000 beds to meet the rising demand for student accommodation in Oxford, Mississippi. Recent enrollment growth at the university necessitates additional housing solutions, highlighting the strategic importance of this investment to support the expanding student population.
Oxford, Mississippi – In a significant move to enhance student housing options, Morgan Stanley Investment Management and The Scion Group have announced a joint venture to acquire a $262 million student housing portfolio situated near the University of Mississippi. This collaboration aims to provide more than 2,000 beds specifically designed for student living, directly addressing the growing demand for housing in Oxford, Mississippi.
The acquisition encompasses 600 residential units, comprising a variety of housing types including apartments, townhomes, and cottages. The first phase has already been finalized with the purchase of College Town Oxford, a cottage community located at 2405 Anderson Road, which includes 1,018 beds. The subsequent transactions will involve additional properties, including a garden-style community located south of the university campus and four other properties in downtown Oxford, which are anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2025.
This strategic acquisition comes as the University of Mississippi experiences a substantial increase in enrollment. In 2024, the university reported an 11% growth in student numbers, far exceeding the national average of 1.1% during the same period. The previous academic year marked a record-breaking influx of freshmen, highlighting the growing popularity of the university.
The current student housing market in Oxford reveals a significant supply-demand imbalance. Preleasing for the fall 2025 term has reached an impressive 99.8%, substantially higher than the Yardi 200 national average of 72.7%. Such metrics indicate a robust need for additional housing solutions for students in the area. In response, developers have been actively working to increase the local student housing inventory, including a project named RISE Oxford Farms, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Portfolio Management and Expansion Efforts
Morgan Stanley’s real estate segment manages a portfolio of $53 billion in gross assets globally, positioning the company as a significant player in the real estate investment market. The firm currently owns 43 student housing properties throughout the United States, totaling 17,700 beds, demonstrating its strong commitment to the sector.
Similarly, The Scion Group oversees more than 94,000 beds across 144 student housing communities nationwide. This extensive management experience, along with the resources of Morgan Stanley, enhances the operational capacity to address the increasing demand for student accommodation in Oxford.
Market Outlook
According to industry analysts, the alignment of this acquisition with the growth trends at the University of Mississippi suggests a promising outlook for both Morgan Stanley and The Scion Group. As the local student population continues to expand, the need for diverse and affordable housing options will remain critical. The partnership is anticipated to bolster the Ole Miss student housing market, providing essential accommodation to support the university’s growing enrollment.
As the acquisition progresses, both organizations are focused on optimizing the financial performance of these properties while enhancing the living experience for students. The growing partnership between Morgan Stanley and The Scion Group exemplifies a strategic approach to meeting the dynamic housing needs of students in a thriving academic environment.
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Additional Resources
- Multi Housing News
- Wikipedia: Student Housing
- Connect CRE
- Google Search: student housing Oxford Mississippi
- Yield Pro
- Google Scholar: student housing Oxford
- MSN Money
- Encyclopedia Britannica: student housing
- GSL Global
- Google News: Oxford Mississippi student housing
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
