Affordable Housing Development Summit

Get 10% off with code “EARLY10” at checkout (ending 29 July)

A one-day summit connecting policy, capital and development for housing.

About the event

Australia’s housing crisis has reached a tipping point — and the need for pragmatic, scalable solutions has never been more urgent.

The Urban Developer Affordable Housing Summit brings together government, private capital, developers, planners, architects, and community housing providers for a day of ideas, insights, and actionable strategies to help tackle one of the nation’s greatest challenges.

From unpacking planning reforms and legislative changes to showcasing real-world partnerships and purpose-built case studies, this full-day summit explores how the development sector can unlock affordable supply — and make it viable.

Set in the heart of Sydney, the summit offers a platform to connect the people driving change and shaping the future of affordable housing in Australia.

Details

  • Thursday, August 28, 2025
  • Establishment Ballroom, Sydney
  • 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.
Conal Newland is International Director and Head of Living APAC at Cushman & Wakefield, specialising in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and the broader living sector. With deep expertise in PBSA investment, capital markets, and fund management, Conal advises institutional and private clients across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Formerly National Head of Operational Capital Markets at Savills Australia, he is a leading authority on navigating complex PBSA transactions and driving growth in this fast-evolving sector.
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.

Buy your ticket

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

TUD+ MEMBER
$370+ GST

NON-MEMBER
$495+ GST

Program at a glance

Through keynote presentations, thought-leading panels, and curated case studies, we’ll explore:

  • Planning, density and design solutions for better housing outcomes

  • The private sector’s role in affordable and supported housing

  • Scalable partnership models that deliver real results

  • Faster delivery through streamlined procurement and deal-making

  • Unlocking housing on faith-based and underutilised land

  • How to build more, build better — and make it viable

Full Program

View all session details, speakers, timings and formats

Meet our partners

MAJOR PARTNERS

SUPPORTER PARTNERS

BD PARTNERS

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