I was retained to advise the University of Notre Dame on their London real estate portfolio, including special projects. 

I was also retained to search and acquire a London student residence for the University, jointly with the specialist student accommodation team at Savills. I was the principle client contact.

I made the introduction to the property purchased by UND. Conway House, to the south of Waterloo Bridge, is freehold, circa 50,000 sq ft and 268 beds. UND acquired a ‘turn key’ building from student hall developer, TJAC. 

University of Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious universities in the USA. The London campus allows their students to be immersed in a new cultural environment. UND required a safe location, within an easy walk of the existing campus. 

The building is listed and was constructed in 1823 as the Royal Waterloo Hospital. However, it was last used as the London campus for Schiller International University. 

Although the property was acquired during a worldwide recession it was particularly challenging to satisfy the brief and then secure the contract. Central London is a haven for international capital seeking security and has very limited supply due to factors such as geography, heritage, planning restrictions and secure long term ownership and occupation.