Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Summit
Australia’s leading PBSA conference backed by insights from developers, institutional capital, universities, operators and living-sector experts.
The Urban Developer’s PBSA Summit returns in 2026, bringing together the country’s leading developers, investors, operators, universities and consultants shaping the future of purpose-built student accommodation.
As Australia’s international education sector rebounds and housing shortages intensify across major university cities, PBSA is emerging as one of the country’s most sought-after alternative asset classes.
This one-day summit explores the supply, demand and investment dynamics driving the sector, while examining the delivery, operational and policy considerations shaping the next generation of student living.
The program features keynotes, panel discussions, case studies and fireside conversations with the industry leaders influencing the future of PBSA in Australia and globally.
Attendees will gain insights into capital flows, development feasibility, institutional investment appetite, university partnerships, hospitality-led operations and the evolving student experience.
If you want to understand how the industry’s leading PBSA players are thinking about the future of the sector, this is a must-attend event.
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.
Register your interest
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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
View all session details, speakers, timings and formats
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MAJOR PARTNERS
SUPPORTER PARTNERS
BD PARTNERS
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