Domus Academica to remain student housing as Unity Living acquires iconic Helsinki property

This is an important milestone for Unity Living’s ambition to create more community-driven student homes in the Nordics. Over the next few years, Unity Living aims to build a student-focused portfolio of more than 5000 beds across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, supporting university cities with much-needed housing for students and international talent.

Domus Academica is one of Helsinki’s most recognized student housing locations. The C and D buildings include 229 rental residential units and were completed in 1952 and 1968. Over the years, the property has hosted student apartments, a student library, university lecture and reading rooms, as well as hostel operations. Unity Living intends to develop the property into a revitalized student living concept with a strong focus on community. Unity Living is currently preparing renovation and development plans for the buildings and will communicate any practical changes to residents as the planning progresses.

“This acquisition marks a very important step for Unity Living as Helsinki is one of the strongest student cities in the Nordics. We are looking forward to enhancing Domus Academica with Unity’s brand of experience led student housing” says Armon Bar-Tur, CEO of Unity Living.

“We have great respect for Domma’s history and for what it means to so many people. Domma was originally built to help ease the shortage of student housing, and that purpose remains at the heart of its future,” says Sini Pankka, Commercial Director at Unity Living.

For cities and universities, student accommodation is more than housing. It is part of how a city welcomes students, international talent and future professionals. Unity Living wants to support university cities by creating student homes where everyday life is easy, community feels natural and students can feel they belong.

“We are pleased that we found a buyer whose intention is to retain the buildings in student housing use. The transaction also completes the overall restructuring of HYY’s real estate-related debt situation,” says Mika Perkiö, CEO of Ylva.

Newsec acted as Ylva’s advisor in the sales process. Fokus Nordic acted as advisor to Unity Living. The parties have agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed.