The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has signed seven new properties in Vienna and Seville, further cementing its expansion across Europe. The new franchise and management agreements cover nearly 1,100 units and add to Ascott’s growing European portfolio, which now stands at 64 properties across 26 cities in 10 countries. Globally, the group’s portfolio surpasses 1,000 properties with more than 175,000 units.

The signings were announced alongside the official opening of lyf Gambetta Paris, Ascott’s first lyf-branded property in France and the third to open in Europe. The 140-unit residence, which had a successful soft launch earlier this year, has been praised by guests for its vibrant community atmosphere and design-led living concept. The lyf brand now has eight properties across Europe, either open or in development, with four more scheduled to launch in 2026.

Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Ascott, said: “Europe is a cornerstone of Ascott’s global growth strategy, offering a resilient, high-yield market underpinned by strong tourism fundamentals and fragmented supply, where a significant portion of quality assets remain unbranded. Our expansion in Vienna, entry into Seville and growing lyf and The Unlimited Collection presence in Europe reflect the increasing demand from property owners and investors for trusted operators with global scale, proven brand architecture and robust distribution capabilities. By deepening Ascott’s asset-light model in Europe through franchise and management agreements, we are scaling efficiently while building long-term brand equity across one of the world’s most attractive hospitality markets.”

In Vienna, Ascott has strengthened its partnership with VIE Trust Real Estate Group, signing five new properties that will add more than 750 units to the city’s portfolio. This includes a second lyf-branded property set to open by the end of 2026 in the 15th district. Once complete, Ascott will operate nine properties in Vienna, offering nearly 1,400 units and positioning it among the city’s leading international hospitality operators.

In Spain, Ascott has signed two properties in Seville with Forty Management SA, expanding on their collaboration in Bucharest. The 250-unit lyf and 120-unit Somerset properties will form part of the 12.5-hectare Lagoon City Seville project, featuring an 18,000-square-metre man-made lagoon, residential units, a convention centre, and a range of leisure and dining facilities. Expected to open in 2028, these will be Ascott’s first beachside resort projects in Europe, expanding its Spanish footprint to three properties.

Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and China, said: “The momentum across our European portfolio reflects a disciplined expansion strategy focused on destinations where quality accommodation meets authentic demand. From lyf’s experience-led social living spaces to The Unlimited Collection’s culturally rooted hotels and our established Citadines, Somerset and The Crest Collection brands, each has a clear identity yet remains adaptable across formats and traveller segments.”

The company also continues to grow The Unlimited Collection, which entered Europe in 2024 with openings in Edinburgh, Dublin, and Leicester. The brand’s focus on local culture and unique design aims to appeal to travellers seeking authentic, immersive stays.

Alongside new developments, Ascott is investing in the refurbishment of existing European properties, including Citadines République Paris and Citadines Bastille Gare de Lyon Paris, to ensure they remain competitive in a fast-evolving hospitality market.