Decreased valuations could create difficulties for owners who need to refinance their existing loans, particularly borrowers who have CMBS loans. Over the next three years, more than $1 billion of student housing CMBS loans will expire and need to be refinanced, according to Katz.

Many owners will find themselves with performing assets – properties with strong NOI and stable occupancy – but facing distress within their capital stack, Katz predicts. "There are going to be a lot of situations where the capital stack chokes the borrower," he warns.

In those scenarios, CMBS special servicers will end up taking back the student housing assets and recasting loans at lower values, providing an opportunity for investors to acquire quality student housing assets at a discount.

However, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are actively providing debt for performing student housing properties, and investors might be able to refinance their properties as long as they're willing to pay down the debt. "I think it really comes down to whether you're willing and able to write a check," says David Adelman, president and CEO of Campus Apartments.

Adelman participated in a panel called "Fact or Fiction-Part II" along with Ryan Reid, national director of student housing for CB Richard Ellis, and Bill Bayless, president of American Campus Communities Inc.

The panelists agree that they have not seen much distress in the student housing industry from the credit crunch. According to CBRE, only $600 million worth of student housing properties are in default – a much smaller number than other property types.

However, Bayless says there are a number of equity investors that are looking to offload underperforming student housing assets, creating even more opportunities for investors focused on value-added acquisitions. "I can't wait for those properties to come to market," he adds.