As Australia’s housing landscape continues to evolve, Build-to-Rent (BTR) is emerging as a powerful new model to meet the needs of modern renters, and the developers, investors, and operators ready to support them.
Still new to some, BTR offers purpose-designed rental communities that prioritise long-term occupancy, professional management, and high-quality resident experiences. Unlike traditional build-to-sell developments, BTR assets generally remain under single ownership and are managed with a long-term investment view, making them fundamentally different in how they’re designed, marketed, and operated.
Why Build-to-Rent?
Driven by housing affordability, lifestyle shifts, and growing demand for quality rental stock, BTR offers a compelling value proposition:
- Security and stability for residents, with long-term, flexible leases and responsive, professional management
- Recurring income and lower vacancy risk for investors, due to the focus on customer retention and community, through proactive management approach
- Differentiation, shaped by strategies to encourage useage supporting retention
- Positive social impact, particularly when affordability or community-building features are integrated.
What Makes a Great BTR Partner?
For developers and asset owners entering this space, having a trusted experienced operational partner from the outset is essential. At UniLodge Living Group we specialise in delivering and managing living sector assets including BTR through our Essence Communities brand.
Our end-to-end capability includes:
- Pre-opening and mobilisation strategy: We support design reviews, marketing plans, tech stack integration, and leasing readiness, ensuring you’re not just building, but launching with purpose.
- Tailored operational models: We work with our partners to adapt our services to suit the resident demographic, local context, and investment goals.
- Resident-first focus: Our management teams are trained to inspire welcoming, inclusive environments that encourage retention and build community.
- Performance insights and asset reporting: Real-time operational data and trend analysis helps owners optimise the asset for both financial and social returns.
Case Studies: Experience You Can Trust
Wentworth Quarter – Wentworth Point, NSW
Our premium award winning BTR development located on the waterfront in Wentworth Point, Sydney was designed by Bates Smart and developed by City Freeholds. The project comprises 200 high-quality apartments and eight townhouses and offers residents resort-style amenities, including a 25-metre infinity pool, gym, co-working spaces, and rooftop dining areas. With a focus on community and lifestyle, Wentworth Quarter provides long-term, flexible leases and a dedicated resident experience team, setting a new standard for rental living in the area.
Indi Portfolio – Sydney & Melbourne
Indi is Investa’s Build-to-Rent management platform backed by Oxford Properties Group, is delivering nearly 1,400 BTR apartments across assets in Sydney and Melbourne. Indi Sydney, the CBD’s first purpose-built BTR residence, offers 234 stylish apartments with hotel-style amenities, including a rooftop lounge, wellness facilities, and co-working spaces. Indi Southbank in Melbourne, opening late 2025, will include premium resident amenities, spacious apartments and sweeping views of the city skyline. Indi Footscray, the largest in the Indi portfolio, comprises 702 apartments and features a rooftop barbecue area, fitness centre, cinema, and a public piazza with retail options. Both developments emphasise sustainability, with Indi Footscray targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating and being fully electric with common areas powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Dickson Village – Canberra, ACT
This building is Canberra’s first Build-to-Rent community, offering brand new, stylish, and contemporary apartments with uninterrupted views over Canberra and exceptional convenience to the city’s favourite lifestyle destinations. The development features a range of apartment types, including studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options, with an allocation of affordable housing for key workers. Amenities include parcel lockers, secure bike storage, communal BBQ areas, and a large grassed outdoor terrace for socialising and entertaining.
Realm Portfolio – Brisbane & Melbourne
Realm Australia, a Build-to-Rent business owned by Blackstone’s Real Estate funds and managed by 151 Property, offers high-quality homes with flexible lease terms. Realm Kangaroo Point in Brisbane and Realm Caulfield in Melbourne are standout developments, featuring modern and stylish apartments designed for comfortable living with incredible views and a range of amenities. Realm aims to transform the rental experience and create a community for residents and their pets, with over half of Realm Kangaroo Point residents owning a pet.
These examples highlight how our adaptable operating platform, strong brand ethos, and sector-specific knowledge translate into value for BTR developers and residents alike.
The Time to Act is Now
With Australia’s BTR pipeline gaining momentum, especially in major capital cities, the time is right for developers and institutional investors to consider how they can enter or expand in this market. Choosing the right operating partner from day one can make the difference between a good development and a great one.
Whether you’re planning your first BTR community or looking to elevate an existing asset, our team is here to help you make it a success.
Let’s Build the Future of Renting, Together.
