Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Summit
Aug 20, 2026
8:30 am – 3:00 pm (AEST)
Gate 8, Melbourne
About the Event
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.
Speakers
Paul Savitz
Director – Living Sectors Capital Markets
Cushman & Wakefield
With more than 20 years’ experience across the PBSA sector in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, Paul has advised on some of the industry’s most significant transactions.
Working with institutional investors, developers and operators, he brings deep insights into market fundamentals, investment strategy and the capital trends shaping the future of purpose-built student accommodation.
Anouk Darling
Chief Executive Officer – Student Living/BTR
Scape
Anouk Darling is Chief Executive Officer – Student Living and Build-to-Rent at The Living Company, leading Australia’s largest purpose-built student accommodation platform.
With more than A$13 billion in PBSA assets under management and a significant development pipeline, Anouk brings deep expertise in scaling living sector projects, navigating market complexity and driving investment across Australia’s evolving housing landscape.
Clinton Ostwald
Partner
Urbis
Clinton Ostwald is a leading property economist with more than 30 years’ experience advising on urban development and investment strategy.
As leader of Urbis’ international land use economics team, he provides market insights that help shape investment decisions, asset performance and the long-term growth of sectors including purpose-built student accommodation.
Toby Lewis
Managing Director
Marquette
Toby is the Founder and Managing Director of Marquette Properties, a Brisbane-based real estate investment firm established in 2009.
Working across the office, retail and living sectors, Toby has led investments that respond to changing market demands, including the conversion of a Brisbane office building into a 1,200-bed PBSA asset in partnership with Dexus.
Amanda Moore
Associate Principal
JCBA
With more than 25 years’ experience in interior design, Amanda specialises in creating learning and living environments that enhance wellbeing, connection and the student experience.
Drawing on research with Monash University and Greystar Australia, she brings an evidence-based perspective on how thoughtful design can shape the future of purpose-built student accommodation.
Alex Karamouzis
Student Housing Industry Lead – Oceania
Salto
Alex Karamouzis is Student Housing Industry Lead for Oceania at Salto Systems, working with PBSA operators, universities and independent schools to deliver smart, cloud-connected access solutions.
With experience across some of the region’s largest student accommodation portfolios, Alex helps operators leverage technology to enhance the resident experience, improve operational efficiency and create safer, more connected communities.
Andrew Hogan
Managing Director
Point Polaris
Andrew Hogan is Managing Director of Point Polaris, a property advisory and delivery firm supporting major urban development projects.
With 25 years of international experience across more than $40 billion in projects, including PBSA, Andrew advises universities, developers and asset owners on the partnerships, delivery models and commercial strategies shaping the future of student accommodation.
James Curtin
General Manager – Developments
Dexus
James has more than 20 years’ experience across construction, healthcare delivery and property development.
As part of Dexus’ Alternative Investments team, he leads complex accommodation projects, including the transformation of 41 George Street in Brisbane into purpose-built student accommodation, bringing valuable insights into adaptive reuse, project delivery and university-aligned living environments.
Jodie Harris
Director – Masterplanning
La Trobe
Tomas Johnsson
Chief Executive Officer
UniLodge Living Group
Simon Hulett
Head of Equity Investment
MaxCap
Simon Hulett is Head of Equity Investment at MaxCap, bringing more than 20 years of experience across real estate investment, development and funds management.
With a track record delivering complex projects across major asset classes, Simon is leading MaxCap’s equity investment strategy on the 570 Little Bourke Street PBSA development, offering insights into the partnerships, capital and delivery behind one of Melbourne’s landmark student accommodation projects.
David Hill
Chief Investment Officer
Cedar Pacific
Ticket Inclusions
Attendees to the PBSA Summit will receive:
- A comprehensive understanding of Australia’s PBSA supply and demand dynamics
- Insights into international student growth and policy impacts
- Analysis of institutional investment appetite and global capital flows
- An understanding of current feasibility, funding and delivery conditions
- Perspectives from universities, developers and operators on partnership models
- Insights into operational trends, hospitality-led living and student experience
- Exposure to emerging technology and smart building innovations
- Lessons from leading PBSA projects and platforms across Australia
Become a TUD+ Member to access discounted tickets.
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