Bank Hapoalim and Reality Fund Invest 50 Million Euros in European Student Housing

Bank Hapoalim's equity arm, Hapoalim Equity, has made a significant investment of 50 million euros through the Alea Living One fund, targeting student and alternative housing markets in Portugal, Spain, and Poland. This move marks a major expansion in one of Europe's fastest-growing real estate sectors, driven by long-term trends such as increasing numbers of international students, changing household compositions, and persistent housing shortages.

Since Liat Hazut became CEO of Hapoalim Equity less than a year ago, the fund has accelerated its investments, totaling around 500 million shekels since early 2026. The partnership with Alea Living One, which is currently developing 2,500 housing units, represents Hapoalim Equity's second investment with Reality Partners, aiming to collaborate with leading global real estate investment managers.

Alea's strategy focuses on urban residential markets offering inflation-resistant returns, implemented through a global operational platform. Portugal, Spain, and Poland are expected to require hundreds of thousands of new beds for students and young people over the next decade. Liat Hazut emphasized that joining forces with Alea's experienced team and Reality Partners aligns with their strategy to invest in quality platforms led by professional teams in growing sectors, diversifying their investment portfolio and leveraging their operational expertise to grow the platform further.