Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Summit

Inside the Playbook of Australia’s Fastest-Growing Alternative Asset Class.

Delivering the Future of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation in Australia

With Australia’s tertiary education sector bouncing back and international student numbers on the rise, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation is re-emerging as one of the country’s most in-demand alternative asset classes.

Against this backdrop, The Urban Developer’s PBSA Summit will bring together the sector’s key players—developers, investors, operators, policymakers and advisors—for a one-day program exploring the future of student housing.

From shifting supply-demand dynamics and capital market trends to regulatory reform, design innovation and delivery challenges, the summit will unpack the forces reshaping the PBSA landscape.

As universities grow and students seek higher-quality living options, this event offers a timely pulse-check on what’s next for PBSA in 2025 and beyond.

Details

Thursday, August 14, 2025
Gate 8, Melbourne
9:00 am – 3.00 pm AEST
100 + C-Suite Professionals
TUD+ Member: $370 + GST
Non-member: $495 + GST

Speakers

Craig Carracher AM is the Founder and Co‑CEO of The Living Company — Australia’s most prestigious residential living platform spanning student, built‑to‑rent, and retirement housing. Originally co‑founder of Scape Student Living in 2013, he has propelled the business into a national powerhouse, now serving over 30,000 residents across 100+ locations. A highly respected leader in real estate, investment, and law, Craig continues to redefine housing through innovation, community, and purpose.

David Hill is the Chief Investment Officer of Cedar Pacific, a leading developer and investment manager specialising in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and Build-to-Rent. With a track record of delivering over 10,000 PBSA beds and a growing BTR pipeline across Australia and New Zealand, David oversees new fund creation, investor relations and strategic direction. Prior to joining Cedar Pacific, he led JLL’s Living Sectors Capital Markets team, advising on more than $4 billion in transactions across the region.

Darren Dawson is the General Manager of Social Infrastructure Funds at Australian Unity, overseeing investments across seniors living, student accommodation, disability housing, childcare and healthcare property. With over 20 years in banking and finance—including senior roles at ANZ, Bank Australia and Sentient Impact Group—Darren brings deep expertise in ethical investment and sustainable finance. He now leads capital strategy and growth for Australian Unity’s real asset funds, focused on delivering strong returns through nation-building social infrastructure.

Simon Hulett is Head of Direct Investment at MaxCap Group, where he leads the national equity investment strategy across all major real estate asset classes. With over two decades of experience in development, acquisitions, and funds management, Simon has delivered complex, high-value projects for institutional and private capital. Prior to MaxCap, he was Development Director at Charter Hall, where he led marquee commercial projects and strategic capital deployment.

Ben Pomroy is a Principal at Rothelowman and a nationally recognised design leader in the living sector. Specialising in student accommodation, build-to-rent, and seniors living, Ben brings a cross-sector approach that redefines residential design as an experience. His work challenges conventions to create connected, adaptive and human-centred living environments that respond to how we live today.

Jack Peschardt is a Senior Construction Manager at Decode with over 20 years’ experience delivering complex, high-value projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors — including Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. Awarded NSW AIB Building Professional of the Year in 2021, Jack has delivered over $700M in construction value and currently leads several of Decode’s $100M+ flagship developments. Known for his steady leadership and technical expertise, Jack ensures PBSA and mixed-use projects alike are delivered to the highest standards of quality, budget and timeline.

Alex Karamouzis is a Melbourne-based entrepreneur and business development leader. He co-founded and lead Zero Food and Orphic Education to successful exits. Alex specializes in scaling ventures and driving innovation across technology and consumer sectors. He is now leading the Shared Living Vertical in Oceania for Salto Systems.

Alex Stuart is an economist and project manager at Urbis with extensive experience advising both private and public sector clients across Australia. A specialist in residential and living sectors—including student accommodation, retirement, and aged care—Alex is a trusted voice in market analysis and strategy. He authors the Sydney Apartment Essentials report and recently led the landmark Australian Student Accommodation Indicators project, offering critical insights into affordability and supply. His expertise spans demand forecasting, stakeholder engagement, and major urban renewal initiatives.

Tim has 20+ years’ experience in hospitality, commercial, residential leased & freehold portfolios, plus global experience in portfolio management. Before Yugo, Tim led national operations for Unilodge, driving operational standards, revenue generation and managing key stakeholder relationships with Owners and Universities.

Buy your ticket

Early bird offer: Enter code “EARLY10” for 10% off (ends 29 July)

TUD+ MEMBER
$370+ GST

Barista coffee on arrival
Access to 7+ sessions
Hear from 15+ speakers
Downloadable copy of presentations
Networking morning tea & lunch
Networking drinks post event
TUD+ members save up to $125

NON-MEMBER
$495+ GST

Barista coffee on arrival
Access to 7+ sessions
Hear from 15+ speakers
Downlodable copy of presentations
Networking morning tea & lunch
Networking drinks post event

Program at a glance

PBSA supply, demand and performance snapshot
Capital flows and investor strategies
Enrolment trends driving future demand
Development pipeline and hotspot locations
Planning and regulatory changes impacting PBSA
Design trends enhancing student experience
Technology integration in operations
Delivery strategies and construction efficiencies
Innovations from emerging private developers

Full Program

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