If you remember living in a hovel as a student, and think that’s how things still are, then it may be time to get educated about how some Gen-Z undergrads view dormitory or share house life, because some are looking for luxury.

Five-star student accommodation is the new rising star in property development, according to the Australian Financial Review.

And an infinity pool, sauna, and even exclusive work opportunities, are some of the features students can expect from Epiisod in Sydney’s Macquarie Park, which is expected to open in early 2026. 

The Sydney-based project will have 700 beds and is the first in Centurion’s new Epiisod brand, targeting wellness-focused living for a booming Australian student market. The company also owns Dwell Village in Melbourne and Dwell East End in Adelaide.

And with Ray White research revealing that a million international students chose to study in Australia in 2024, the trend is only looking up.

“Rising geopolitical tensions have repositioned Australia as a beneficiary in the global competition for international students. Increasingly restrictive visa policies and political uncertainties in the United States have redirected significant student flows toward Australia, particularly from India and South East Asian nations,” the research by Vanessa Rader says.

Data from Ray White Research reveals that Sydney student properties command the highest values in the market, while Melbourne follows closely behind. Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra represent more accessible entry points for investors with growing student populations. The sector has seen significant portfolio transactions concentrated in these five major university cities.

More students looking for a little luxury

Epiisod’s luxury launch is part of Centurion’s strategy to grow profits and unlock capital by moving assets into a new real estate investment trust (REIT). The Macquarie Park property will join an international portfolio value expected to top $2.1 billion.

Centurion Corporation Limited is a global provider of purpose-built worker and student accommodation. 

But while students may enjoy hotel-style perks, broader housing challenges still exist.

Australia recorded 245,890 net permanent and long-term arrivals in the past year, the highest on record, according to realestate.com.au reports. While not all of these arrivals will be students, it seems Australia’s relative safety compared to the United States is prompting a resurgence in attracting foreign students.

 This demand won’t just prompt new property developments, but also create more rental demand across Australian cities and regional areas where universities are located.