Nuns Seek €10M for UCD Site Student Housing
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Sale of St. Brigid’s Novitiate in Dublin Presents Chance for Student Accommodation Development
Overview
A significant property near University College Dublin (UCD)’s Belfield campus in Clonskeagh, south Dublin, has been put up for sale, presenting a potential development opportunity, particularly for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). St. Brigid’s Novitiate, owned by the Little Sisters of the Poor, is being offered at a guiding price of €10 million through agent Avison Young, as reported by the Irish Times on September 3, 2023.
Property Details
The property comprises St. Brigid’s Novitiate,a 35-bedroom building spanning 2,917.68 square meters (31,405 square feet). It sits on a mature site of 1.416 hectares (3.5 acres). The Little Sisters of the Poor intend to reinvest the proceeds from the sale into other initiatives within their larger 3.76-hectare (9.3-acre) Roebuck Road campus. Crucially, the order plans to remain on site, continuing to operate the Holy Family Residence Nursing home, located at the front of the campus.
| Property Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Name | St. Brigid’s Novitiate |
| Location | Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin |
| Site Area | 1.416 hectares (3.5 acres) |
| Building Area | 2,917.68 sq m (31,405 sq ft) |
| Bedrooms | 35 |
| Guiding Price | €10 million |
Demand for Student Accommodation in Dublin
Dublin is experiencing a well-documented shortage of student accommodation. According to a Daft.ie report from September 2023, there were only 1,300 purpose-built student beds available for the 2023/2024 academic year, while an estimated 30,000 full-time students are attending higher education institutions in Dublin. This significant gap drives up rental costs and creates challenges for students seeking suitable housing. The location adjacent to UCD makes this site particularly attractive for PBSA development.
The demand is further fueled by a growing student population and limited supply of conventional rental properties. Investment in PBSA is seen as a key solution to alleviate the pressure on the Dublin rental market and provide dedicated, purpose-built housing for students. The Irish Times reported in