MODEL

For MODEL, achieving our vision means pursuing the highest standards in sustainability—and there’s no better marker of that than a Green Building Council of Australia 6 Star Green Star rating. But what does that actually mean? What does it take to get there? And why does it matter for MODEL and our future communities? Watch as we unpack these coveted stars in our latest video, featuring Rory and Phil from MODEL and Richard Stokes, Sustainability Team Lead from our collaborator, Arup.

Earlier this week, MODEL attended the Property Council of Australia’s National Housing Solutions Summit. With the Australian Government committing an unprecedented $33 billion to housing reform (including BTR and policy innovation) this summit provided us valuable and timely insight into the future of development, investment and community living. Here are just a few takeaways: - The scale of government funding is unlike anything we’ve seen in the past 70 years. - Construction productivity is at a historic low, especially among smaller players. - With the population set to grow 15% by 2030, there’s a need to deliver diverse, sustainable housing at speed—especially through BTR. The market, policy and population are all moving in the same direction. And by creating highly liveable, sustainable and scalable homes, we’re moving with them. Thanks to the Property Council of Australia, Mike Zorbas, Clare O'Neil and Danielle Wood for leading a pivotal conversation about the promising future of Australian housing.

This week, Rory attended Charter Keck Cramer’s Sydney Apartment Market Update & Outlook. The event explored how policy reform, rate cuts and planning innovation could transform BTS and BTR development in Sydney. Some valuable insights were gathered as MODEL develops its Sydney strategy. Here are some key takeaways from the event: - Apartment approvals are at historic lows—just a quarter of what they were in 2016. - Net population growth is 88k annually, with 60–70% of new residents likely to rent. - Developer sentiment is finally shifting: sitting still is no longer an option with many sites now ready to be transacted. - Recent planning innovation including the Housing Development Authority allows developers to bypass council and go straight to state govt who can support concurrent permit and rezoning applications, supporting projects with sustainability, affordability and higher density. Just like Melbourne, Sydney is facing a major apartment shortfall, and meaningful planning reform is providing a path forward. With counter-cyclical momentum and long-term structural demand on our side, BTR can support this much-needed progress, and MODEL is well-positioned to provide it for Australian tenants. Sydney here we come!! Big thanks to Charter Keck Cramer, Richard Temlett and Brendan Woolley for hosting such an insightful and constructive discussion.

Our Founder and CEO, Rory Hunter, will be speaking at Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance's Spotlight on Biodiversity, Circularity, and the Built Environment. In this webinar, Rory and a cross-industry panel will discuss how the built environment can evolve from simply reducing harm to actively regenerating ecosystems. Here’s a look at what they’ll be covering: - The urgency of integrating carbon, circularity and nature agendas - Policy levers and industry leadership opportunities - Whole-systems thinking and multi-stakeholder collaboration - Case studies showcasing real change in action If you’re curious about the possibilities of regenerative construction, join Rory, Meeghan Shellard (USyd), Lisa McLean (Circular Australia), plus experts from QUT, Living Future Institute of Australia, Ziranjiti.com, and Positive Futures Advisory Pty Ltd, as they bring an innovative perspective to this overdue conversation. The webinar takes place on Tuesday, 1 April. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gQ92QNPd

At MODEL, we're proud to be at the forefront of sustainable urban development. As highlighted in The Urban Developer's recent article, our upcoming transformation of Abbotsford’s historic Schweppes Cordial Factory is setting a new benchmark for the Build-to-Rent sector. This $110-million redevelopment will deliver 180 Passivhaus-certified apartments, blending heritage preservation, mass timber construction, and cutting-edge sustainability. With our Regenerative Decarbonisation Fund, we’re halving embodied carbon, dedicating 10% of apartments to affordable housing, and creating a project that not only redefines housing but also prioritises community impact. Our mission is to provide meaningful solutions for investors who seek higher returns alongside higher impact, while paving the way for a greener, more equitable future. Thank you again to The Urban Developer for the recognition—it’s exciting to see Passivhaus and sustainable construction gaining the spotlight they deserve. https://lnkd.in/gFSv8dRi

At MODEL, our core message is important, but how we communicate that message is just as important. That’s why we collaborate with Fee Townshend, Founder & Director of Curve Comms, whose expertise in public relations ensures that MODEL's unique approach receives the attention it deserves. We recently caught up with Fee to discuss our collaboration - here’s what she had to say. "Public Relations is best described as: 'what others are saying about you.' My job is to identify and amplify the key moments that showcase where MODEL is exemplary— how it stands apart or leads the industry. Through project milestones, partnerships, thought leadership and research findings, I aim to demonstrate how MODEL’s consistency of vision, commitment to rigour and undeniable energy will enable it to deliver on its brand promise: Rent for Good." With our relentless commitment to lower emissions, healthier homes, better living standards and greater returns for investors, MODEL is equipped to deliver genuine and much-needed change. And with Curve Comms by our side, we’re making sure the right people are hearing our story as it continues to unfold. Stay tuned!

Last week, MODEL attended The Urban Developer Property and Economic Outlook Melbourne, where industry leaders George Abraham [Hickory], Carolyn Viney [Assemble] and Gill Dvir [Alfasi Group] discussed the current and future state of the market. Here are some of the key takeaways from this informative event: Market Trends - Melbourne’s growth is outpacing Sydney’s. And with 115,000 new residents annually, demand will only increase. - The housing affordability gap is widening. 410,000 Australians now earn too much for social housing, but not enough for market-rate housing. - Interest rates are expected to ease. Cash rates are forecast to drop to 3.6%, with two cuts expected in 2024. Residential Market Sentiment - The industry consensus is that 2024 marks the lowest point of the market cycle, with growing confidence expected to drive investment. - With building approvals picking up, Melbourne continues to outperform Sydney. - House price growth is expected in late 2025, with stronger gains in 2026. Challenges and Opportunities - Insolvencies, particularly among subcontractors, remain a key issue in the construction sector. - It now takes twice as long to build a house as it did 30 years ago. Reducing red tape, increasing skilled labour and improving on-site efficiency are critical levers. - Stability post-election is expected to unlock capital investment. It’s clear that 2024 marked the bottom of the cycle. While challenges remain, sentiment is shifting, and key indicators suggest the market is stabilising. As confidence returns, so does the opportunity for responsibly-designed rental homes, offering improved availability and long-term livability.

It’s been another eventful week here at MODEL. We attended the Property Council of Australia Industry Outlook Series (BTR Event), featuring Kris Daff (Assemble), Angela Buckley (Mirvac), Christian Grahame (HOME), and David Cannington (Investa), and moderated by Steph Harper (CBRE). These industry leaders discussed the intricacies of BTR's fast-moving evolution—here are some of the key learnings from their fascinating discussions: Delivering on brand promise is crucial to long-term success. Proof of concept is now complete, and Victoria’s BTR market is entering a maturing phase. The demand for BTR remains high, with stock being rapidly absorbed. A strong operational platform (OpCo) is essential to adding value. The industry is working to integrate BTR into the MSCI index, which could boost its visibility as a sustainable asset class. Another standout moment was MODEL being recognised as a new innovator in the sector. Being acknowledged by industry leaders is an incredible honour, and reinforces our day-one commitment to build the future of housing.

Last week, MODEL had the great opportunity to attend two key industry events: a discussion with Commonwealth Bank about the future of commercial real estate in Melbourne, which included participants from JLL, Charter Hall, Origin Zero, and the City of Melbourne, and the BTR Breakfast with REA Group, discussing ‘7 insights into unlocking BTR success.’ These discussions covered some fascinating ground—here are some of the highlights: - The City of Melbourne is targeting 100% renewable energy by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2040, with CBA and other industry leaders supporting climate action. - Large industry participants, such as Charter Hall, are committed to ESG in Office and Industrial assets, setting the tone for sustainable building, ultimately benefiting both owners and tenants. - Sustainability is highly valued in all areas of real estate, currently impacting values in commercial and industrial sectors before these trends move into living sector values. - 72% of rental property seekers state that it’s ‘a bad time to be a renter.’ - 70% of rental property seekers are open to considering BTR. - There is strong sentiment that BTR will be part of the next wave of sustainable asset classes. - Renters are prioritising long-term security, premium amenities, high-quality design, and a diverse range of apartment types. - Commercial properties play a crucial role in helping the City of Melbourne achieve their goals. MODEL is leading the way in decarbonising the living sectors. The rising consideration in BTR proves that sustainability, security, and quality are the future of Australian rental living, and that MODEL is entering the property market at a time when it’s most needed. Exciting times ahead!

Last week, MODEL had the great opportunity to attend two key industry events: a discussion with Commonwealth Bank about the future of commercial real estate in Melbourne, which included participants from JLL, Charter Hall, Origin Zero, and the City of Melbourne, and the BTR Breakfast with REA Group, discussing ‘7 insights into unlocking BTR success.’ These discussions covered some fascinating ground—here are some of the highlights: - The City of Melbourne is targeting 100% renewable energy by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2040, with CBA and other industry leaders supporting climate action. - Large industry participants, such as Charter Hall, are committed to ESG in Office and Industrial assets, setting the tone for sustainable building, ultimately benefiting both owners and tenants. - Sustainability is highly valued in all areas of real estate, currently impacting values in commercial and industrial sectors before these trends move into living sector values. - 72% of rental property seekers state that it’s ‘a bad time to be a renter.’ - 70% of rental property seekers are open to considering BTR. - There is strong sentiment that BTR will be part of the next wave of sustainable asset classes. - Renters are prioritising long-term security, premium amenities, high-quality design, and a diverse range of apartment types. - Commercial properties play a crucial role in helping the City of Melbourne achieve their goals. MODEL is leading the way in decarbonising the living sectors. The rising consideration in BTR proves that sustainability, security, and quality are the future of Australian rental living, and that MODEL is entering the property market at a time when it’s most needed. Exciting times ahead!