The Urban Developer Build-to-Rent Summit
A one-day conference exploring the evolution, outlook and opportunity of Australia’s Build-to-Rent sector.
About the event
As Australia’s build-to-rent sector moves from momentum to maturity, The Urban Developer will convene industry leaders for a one-day summit in Melbourne to unpack the sector’s evolution, outlook and opportunity.
The Build-to-Rent Summit will explore the structural and cyclical forces shaping BTR in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
The program features keynote presentations, project case studies and panel discussions spanning investment flows, capital structuring, project feasibility and operations.
Attendees will gain insight into the realities of project delivery, planning constraints, operating performance and investor sentiment—along with a live conversation with Rory Hunter of MODEL, whose hotel-to-housing play is reimagining the renter experience.
Details
- Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Zinc at Federation Square, Melbourne
- 8.30 am – 4.00 pm AEST
- 250 + C-Suite Professionals
- TUD+ Member: $370 + GST
- Non-member: $495 + GST
Speakers
Rory Hunter is the founder and CEO of Model, a purpose-driven build-to-rent developer creating carbon-neutral homes centred on climate action, community and design. Founded in 2023, Model reimagines rental living with secure, connected places that prioritise wellbeing, sustainability and hotel-inspired design without compromise.
Adam Hirst is CEO and Managing Director of Novus, an independent Build-to-Rent platform delivering mid-scale, design-led communities across Australia. Since launching in 2021, Novus has grown a $2bn pipeline and institutional investor base, setting a new benchmark for specialist BTR development, operations and investment management.
Loren Thanyakittikul is Head of Design at Local, where she leads the creation of Build-to-Rent communities with strong identity and contextual sensitivity. Since joining in 2022, she’s shaped Local’s design and operational standards, drawing on 20+ years of experience, including landmark BTR projects in London.
Matt Walton is Development Director at Home, where he leads the delivery of large-scale BTR, BTS and mixed-use developments across Victoria. Trusted by private and institutional capital for his commercial acumen and calm leadership, he brings 20 years’ experience delivering complex projects and a proven ability to consistently turn ambitious visions into enduring success for residents and investors alike.
Puian Mollaian is Co-Founder and Investment Director at Apt Residential, an institutional real estate manager focused on Australia’s living sectors. Backed by global pension fund capital, Apt delivers build-to-rent projects through a vertically integrated model spanning investment, development and operations.
Nicky Drobis is a Partner at FK, leading the design of Build-to-Rent projects that prioritise human connection, environmental performance and architectural innovation. Her approach balances bold vision with contextual sensitivity to deliver places that enrich communities and enhance urban life.
Mark Tait is Group Executive and Head of Developments at Investa, overseeing large-scale commercial and Build-to-Rent projects nationally. With over 20 years’ experience, he leads the delivery of complex developments and drives Investa’s pipeline of new BTR opportunities across Australia.
Carolyn Viney is CEO of Assemble, leading the delivery of sustainable, community-focused Build-to-Rent and affordable housing projects. With a passion for better housing outcomes, she brings deep leadership experience and is a member of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.
David Hill is Chief Investment Officer at Cedar Pacific, overseeing investment strategy and capital for its growing Build-to-Rent portfolio. Since commencing its first BTR project in 2024, Cedar Pacific has expanded its pipeline to over 1,000 apartments across Australia and New Zealand.
Edward McAuliffe is Director of Residential Development and BTR Operations at Salta Properties, leading a 4,000-apartment pipeline in Melbourne. He oversees Salta’s integrated BTR platform, Est., with a focus on customer experience, capital partnerships, and long-term operational success.
Matt Woodland is Managing Director at Greystar Australia, leading investment and development strategy across multifamily, student, and industrial sectors. He oversees Greystar’s Build-to-Rent growth in Australia, including acquisitions, partnerships, and capital relationships across the Asia Pacific region.
Brandon Esplin is Residential Vertical Lead at Salto Systems, driving smart access solutions for Build-to-Rent developments across Oceania. He specialises in integrating Salto’s platform with PMS and resident apps, enabling seamless, secure and scalable digital experiences for operators and residents alike.
Rhys Williams is CEO of UKO and Co-Founder of Veriu Group, Australia’s largest multifamily operator. A pioneer in the living sector, he leads a national portfolio of 50+ properties and is recognised for advancing the multifamily and Build-to-Rent industry in Australia.
Robert Papaleo is National Director, Build to Rent at Colliers, helping clients navigate and capitalise on Australia’s growing BTR sector. With over 25 years’ experience in real estate strategy, research and consulting, he advises on market entry, growth, and investment across emerging living sectors.
Buy your ticket
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
- Structural and cyclical drivers across Asia-Pacific
- Economic volatility and capital flows
- Live market updates from major developers
- Planning, construction, and delivery challenges
- Technology’s impact on operations and value
- Architectural innovation in national projects
- Institutional capital trends and offshore investment
- M&A activity and sector consolidation insights
- Design, scale, and feasibility of assets
- Renter experience innovations and sustainability focus
Full Program
View all session details, speakers, timings and formats
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