Scaling Up in the UK: Gamuda Land’s Ambitious Expansion
Gamuda Land is rapidly carving out its niche in the United Kingdom, a market steeped in competition yet ripe with opportunity. By broadening its offerings across residential, commercial, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the company is making significant strides.
At the forefront of this expansion is the monumental redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the heart of the City of London, a £1.2 billion project marking Gamuda Land’s largest overseas investment. The project broke ground in early 2025 and is seen as a turning point for the company in entering the UK’s institutional-grade property sector. “75 London Wall is a statement of intent,” notes CEO Chu Wai Lune, emphasizing the long-term strategy that underscores their commitment to not just market participation but leadership.
Upon its expected completion in September 2027, 75 London Wall will offer over 450,000 square feet of net lettable office space. It is set to achieve top-tier sustainability ratings, including BREEAM “Outstanding” and WELL Core “Platinum,” showcasing Gamuda Land’s commitment to environmentally responsible development.
Diversifying into Student Housing
In tandem with its flagship commercial venture, Gamuda Land is strategically diversifying into the PBSA sector, recognizing the pressing demand for quality student accommodation. One notable project is the City Wharf in Glasgow, Scotland—a joint venture with Dandara Living—boasting 492 student beds integrated into a comprehensive mixed-use neighborhood. This follows their inaugural PBSA project in Woolwich, London, which features 299 bedrooms developed in partnership with Q Investment Partners.
This expansion into the PBSA sector underscores a broader strategy aiming to deliver 3,000 student beds across the UK by 2029. Key market drivers influencing this strategy include:
- Leader in Global Education: The UK has 15 of the world’s top 100 universities and over 2.2 million full-time students, with international enrolments consistently outpacing domestic growth.
- Persistent Supply-Demand Imbalance: The UK faces a significant shortage of student accommodation, with a deficit of over 350,000 PBSA beds identified in major university towns, exacerbated by rising enrollment figures.
- Changing Rental Landscape: Increasingly stringent regulations and additional stamp duty hikes are pushing demand towards professionally managed, institutional-grade PBSA, as smaller landlords face challenges.
The UK real estate market is lauded for its transparency, resilience, and institutional interest, elements that harmoniously align with Gamuda’s long-term growth ambitions.
PBSA is considered a robust and counter-cyclical asset class, underlined by sustained demand from both domestic and international students. “The PBSA sector aligns well with our strengths,” states Chu, highlighting their focus not only on construction but on creating better living environments through thoughtful, sustainable design and community integration.
City Wharf’s PBSA project is tailored to Glasgow’s strict climate targets, featuring low and zero-carbon technologies, such as air-source heat pumps, and is aiming for a BREEAM “Very Good” rating, reinforcing Gamuda’s commitment to sustainability.
Strategic Expansion
Gamuda Land’s debut in the UK was marked by a successful boutique residential development in West Hampstead Central, completed and fully sold out in 2024. With a portfolio that includes West Hampstead, Woolwich, City Wharf, and the ambitious 75 London Wall project, Gamuda is advancing its UK presence systematically through a mixture of high-growth sectors and institutional-grade opportunities.
“Our UK strategy emphasizes a diversified and resilient portfolio, striking a balance between income-generating PBSAs and value-accretive commercial ventures,” Chu explains. The company is keenly pursuing additional PBSA opportunities in key university cities across the UK.
Creating Value
As a developer rooted in Malaysia with a growing international footprint, Gamuda Land leverages its experience from award-winning townships like Gamuda Gardens and Gamuda Cove. These core principles of placemaking, sustainability, and community building inform their global projects, including those in Vietnam, Australia, and now the UK.
“Our international expansion has sharpened our capabilities and broadened our perspectives,” reflects Chu. With ongoing projects spanning countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and Australia, the international ventures are central to Gamuda’s strategic growth framework.
The company has invested over RM1.91 billion (£340 million) in the UK market, with intentions to invest an additional RM1.24 billion (£220 million) as it establishes further operations in high-growth corridors. This aligns with Gambuda’s broader investment strategy, aiming for RM10.5 billion in capital deployment over the next five years, targeting a total gross development value of RM26 billion across key markets.
“Our commitment to scaling our UK presence is unwavering,” Chu asserts. Gamuda Land is keen to explore co-investment opportunities that yield both financial returns and foster social impacts, highlighting the UK market’s sophistication and potential for long-term, quality execution.
As the company strengthens its UK footprint, it prioritizes the delivery of high-quality, sustainable developments that address evolving market needs and long-term housing demands. “We aim to create enduring spaces that resonate with communities globally,” concludes Chu.